It is with profound sorrow that we share the news of the passing of our beloved mother, wife, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, Helen, who departed this life peacefully at the Northside Community Guest Home on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at the remarkable age of 93. Helen was born on August 27, 1931, in Lackawanna, New York State, to the late Samuel and Annie (Muir) Bragg. Early in her childhood, her parents relocated their family to Cape Breton so that her father could pursue a career as a coal miner in Broughton. Mom cherished her early school days in Broughton, and after the mine’s closure, her family made a new home in the Northside area, seeking work. Many of our mother’s fondest memories were shaped during her youth in the Tobin Road area, affectionately known as the “Tank”. She often reminisced about picking blueberries, exploring the woods, and attending the Chalmers Jack Mission, where she participated in both school and church during her formative years. After completing her high school education in Sydney Mines, Helen pursued further studies at a business college in North Sydney, and upon graduating, secured a position in the offices of L.A. Steele in North Sydney. She often recounted with pride her walks along the tracks to her workplace from the Tank. Later, she also contributed her skills at the British Canadian Coop Store’s offices in Sydney Mines.
After meeting our father, the late Eldon Rogerson Critchley, the couple exchanged vows and welcomed five children into their family, establishing a loving home on Shore Road, Sydney Mines, where they resided for over three decades before relocating to George’s River, Nova Scotia. During the challenging yet rewarding years of raising her family, our mother exemplified devotion as a loving wife to our late father and an incredibly caring mother to her children. Her family was her absolute priority and joy. With our father often away at sea due to his shipwork, Helen became the steadfast foundation of the family, ensuring love, support, and stability at home. She dedicated countless hours to her beloved Church, Carmen United Church in Sydney Mines, preparing pies and baked goods for various church functions, a testament to her generous spirit. Our mother was actively involved in the Girl Guides, which operated under the auspices of the Salvation Army Church in Sydney Mines. Furthermore, she joined the Ladies Auxiliary for Harbour View Hospital in Sydney Mines, where she devoted one or two days a week to working in the hospital canteen for an astounding forty-five years or more. Always fascinated by oil painting, as her children grew and began to leave the nest, she took the initiative to attend art classes. Over the years, she blossomed into a skilled artist; she may not have considered herself a great painter, but her work frequently found admirers at local art shows in the area. Her artistic talent shone through in her knitting, crocheting, sewing, and quilting, complemented by her exceptional skills as a baker and cook.
Helen is survived by her daughters, Carol Ann Critchley of Sydney, Kim (Kevin Teather) Critchley of Prince Edward Island, and Joan (B.J.) Fiset of Dartmouth; son Stuart (Mary) Critchley of George’s River; grandchildren Evan (Julie) Critchley, Paul (Leslie) Bonnar, Kyle (Selynn Butler) Robertson, Colin (Danielle) Bonnar, Kate Robertson, Laura Fiset, and Michael Fiset; brothers Bob Bragg and Donnie Bragg from Guelph, Ontario. Helen is also survived by her two great-grandchildren, Allie and Sawyer Bonnar, of George’s River. She was predeceased by her loving husband Eldon, a devoted father, and her son Billy Critchley of Millville. She also mourns the loss of her sister, Jean (Jack) May of Guelph, as well as her brother, Sam (Pat) Bragg, from New York State. Additionally, she was predeceased by three brothers, John Robert, James, and Stuart, who passed away close to infancy.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Northside Community Guest Home in North Sydney, particularly the dedicated nurses, caregivers, cleaners, and cafeteria staff, whose compassionate care for our mother during her stay was invaluable. We are eternally grateful for your support.
Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of Helen’s life has been scheduled for Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 2 PM in Carmen United Church, Sydney Mines, with Rev. Norma Mills officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen’s memory may be made to Carmen United Church, the Northside Community Guest Home, or a charity of your choice.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Helen Clark (Bragg) Critchley, please visit our floral store.
**Interview with Family Spokesperson Jane Critchley on the Life of Helen Rogerson Critchley**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Jane. We’re here to celebrate the life of your beloved mother, Helen. Can you start by sharing what made her so special to you and your family?
**Jane:** Thank you for having me. My mother was truly the heart of our family. She had an incredible ability to make everyone feel loved and valued. Her strength and stability provided a nurturing environment where my siblings and I could thrive. Even during tough times, she was our unwavering support.
**Editor:** Helen had a rich upbringing in Cape Breton. How did her early experiences shape her character?
**Jane:** Growing up, she often spoke of her childhood adventures — picking blueberries, exploring the woods, and the strong sense of community she experienced at the Chalmers Jack Mission. Those formative years instilled in her a deep appreciation for nature and community, which carried into her adult life as she raised her own family and contributed to local organizations.
**Editor:** You mentioned her strong involvement with Carmen United Church. What role did her faith play in her life?
**Jane:** Faith was very important to her. She found comfort and purpose in her church community. Whether it was baking for events or volunteering with the Girl Guides and the Ladies Auxiliary at Harbour View Hospital, her generosity knew no bounds. She believed in giving back and making a difference, which inspired us all.
**Editor:** Helen also took up painting later in life. How did her artistic journey begin?
**Jane:** After we kids grew up, she decided it was time to explore her creative side. She attended art classes and really blossomed into a talented artist. It was lovely to see her passion unfold, and although she downplayed her talent, her work resonated with many at local art shows. It was her way of expressing herself and finding joy in her later years.
**Editor:** As her family, how do you hope her legacy will continue on?
**Jane:** We hope to carry forward her values of love, generosity, and community spirit. She taught us the importance of family and the joy of giving back. We plan to honour her memory by continuing to support the communities and causes she cherished. Her legacy will live on in how we care for one another and our involvement in our own communities.
**Editor:** Thank you so much for sharing these beautiful memories of your mother, Jane. It’s clear she made a lasting impact on everyone around her.
**Jane:** Thank you. It means a lot to us to celebrate her life and the extraordinary love she gave to all of us.
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