Helen Isobel Tripp
July 18, 2025
Helen Isobel Tripp (nee Lawrie)
May 6, 1934 - July 18, 2025
Helen Isobel Tripp (lovingly known as “Mom”, “Um”, “Nana” and “Auntie Helen”) passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 18, 2025 at the age of 91. Helen is survived by her children, David (Sue), Steven (Joanne), Michael (Denise) and Vicki as well as her adored grandchildren, Natasha, Connor, Brett, Andy, Kieran, Griffin, Morgan and Carson. She also leaves behind her nephew Bill, niece Lawrie (Dave), great-nephew Paul (Katie), great-niece Sarah (Neil) and great-great nieces, Clara and Nora. Helen was predeceased by Bill Tripp, her husband of 47 years, her father Donald Lawrie, mother Ethel Lawrie, step-mother Jean Lawrie and sisters, Margaret Stevens and Jean Lawrie.
Helen was born in Toronto, Ontario on May 6, 1934. She graduated with a diploma in Physical and Occupational Therapy from the University of Toronto in 1957. On August 24, 1957 Helen married Bill and together began a lifelong CP Rail adventure of moving across Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and BC. No matter where Bill’s career would take their family of six, Helen made sure every house was home. She became an expert at moving on short notice and created lifelong friendships in every town.
Throughout her life, Helen connected with every community in which she found herself. She was actively involved in CP Rail Bridge, Newcomers, Welcome Wagon, Diners Club, the Delta Hospital Auxiliary and numerous books clubs. She was a BC Marriage Commissioner for over 25 years and took great joy in being a part of the many unions she performed. Helen and Bill travelled extensively during their marriage and after Bill’s passing, Helen regularly divided her time visiting her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed reading, movies, the theatre and was an expert seamstress, knitter, Tupperware drawer organizer and maker of her world-famous cheese dip.
Helen loved all her family - biological and chosen. She was “Um” and “Nana” to many as her generous, maternal heart had no limit. She was a dear, loyal friend who enriched the lives of all who knew her as she welcomed everyone with open arms.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In the meantime, please raise a glass to toast this remarkable lady. She was so deeply loved and will be dearly missed.
“In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice”.
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Messages of Condolence
Wonderful words to describe a wonderful person. The Q’s are blessed to have had her and Bill as dear friends to our family for so many years. ~ Lisa Quattrocchi
A great friend and fellow Newcomer/Welcome Wagon hostess she will be so missed for her organziation and friendship to all. ~ Roberta & Rob Russell
I had many lovely visits with Helen over the years . I enjoyed her quick wit and positivity .She loved her family and friends and spoke of them often . I will miss her. My condolences to her family . ~ Hayley
Dear Tripp Family. We will all miss Helen. A lovely lady with a big kind heart. Love and sympanthy to all of you. Kay ~ Kay Foord
Steve, Joanne and family, we are so sorry for your loss. As coincidence would have it, tomorrow is our 30th wedding anniversary, and our day was made so memorable in large part to Helen's wonderful officiating at our ceremony. She was a kind and thoughtful person who we are sure will be missed by many. ~ David and Chari Grant
It has been our good fortune to have known Helen. She was a kind & generous friend. ~ Wayne & Maureen Carlson
I regret not having more time to spend with Helen. We had so much in common. I really looked forward to visiting and comparing notes on our favourite word games. I was so impressed with how Tech savy she was. So much better than me. I feel this loss. My deepest condolences to the family. She was so proud of everyone if you ~ Sharleen Macmillan
We had the Diners’ Club meeting today and paused fro a few minutes to talk about Helen, and how much we all miss her. ~ Val zhivks