Mrs. (Helen) Shirley Friday of 186 N. Algoma Street died Sunday, November 16, 2014. Born in Port Arthur December 1, 1925, she was the daughter of Ethel and Raymond Bissonnette. She adored her older brother Bill and spoke fondly of their happy, carefree childhood years. She attended local schools and upon graduating from Port Arthur Collegiate Institute, began working as a teller in a bank. On September 1, 1948 she married Jack (John) Friday and embarked upon her new career as wife and mother. Together, they welcomed five children into their lives providing a loving home. This was a time when mothers "stayed home" and despite the challenges of providing for a family of seven, Mom was up for the job. A great cook and accomplished seamstress meant we were always well-cared for and felt her love. It is no wonder she was a "night owl"; otherwise, how would she ever have kept up with the pace? There was always dessert and the many dozens of cookies and donuts were eagerly devoured.
As the children grew older, Mom returned to the work force starting in a clerical job then earning her license enabling her to sell insurance. She spent many happy and fulfilling years with the Baxter family and embraced being a professional woman. She was actively involved in the Insurance Women's Association locally and provincially holding executive positions, including that of President. Upon retirement, she and Dad continued to enjoy travelling until his death after which time she became the third "sister" vacationing with her two daughters. Together, they discovered Cuba and the annual tradition of celebrating her birthday there the first week in December was born.
Mom was always a very religious person. She found strength and solace in her daily attendance at mass and was a proud member of the Catholic Women's League for decades. She greatly enjoyed helping St. Joseph's Heritage fundraising efforts, offering years of volunteering noting she only sold "winning" Nevada tickets. Although her declining health meant she was no longer able to attend church or continue in her volunteer work, her faith never wavered. She kept her mind active being an avid reader and continued completing the daily cryptograms and crossword puzzles until only recently when her health failed.
Mom was exceedingly proud of her children and told them so often. She had an abundance of love to share. She will be lovingly remembered by children: Susan (Chris Bailey), Bill of Kenora (en route), Barb (Ralph Bullough), John (Cindy), Patrick (Beverly Babcock) of The Woodlands, Texas (en route), and five grandchildren: John, Heather, Kathleen, Graham, and Cameron. Also surviving are her brother, Bill Bissonnette and his children Marilyn (Albert Wrigglesworth), Raymond and Nancy; sisters-in- law Noel Heit (Toronto, en route) and Monica McComber. Numerous other nieces and nephews across the globe are also left to carry on her memory. She was predeceased by her parents and husband Jack (2003).
Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 22, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. when family and friends will gather for Funeral Mass in Corpus Christi R.C. Church, to be celebrated by Rev. Alan Albao. All services will be complete in the church. Visitation for friends will be Friday, November 21st from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Sargent & Son Funeral Home, 21 N. Court Street with a Vigil Service at 6:30 p.m. Should friends desire, and in lieu of flowers, donations to the Children's Centre Foundation Thunder Bay (283 Lisgar Street), St. Joseph's Foundation (Geriatric Program), Thunder Bay and District Humane Society or the charity of one's choice would be appreciated. On-line condolences may be made at: www.sargentandson.com.

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