Helen Eileen Gilbert (nee Preston)

Helen Eileen Gilbert (nee Preston)
August 28, 1943 – January 23, 2026
Barrie, Ontario

With heavy hearts—and many loving stories—we share that Helen Eileen Gilbert passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026, at the age of 82.

Helen was the beloved daughter of the late George and Eileen Preston, and the loving wife of the late Terence “Terry” Gilbert (2015). She was a cherished mother to Deborah (Max) and Christie, and a proud, devoted Gramma to Robert (Tasha), Amber (Eamon), and Brittany (Gil)—a title she wore with joy (and the occasional well-timed reminder that Gramma’s rules were the best rules).

She is dearly remembered by her sisters Peggy (Garry) and Lynne, and her sisters-in-law Anne and Jo Anne. Helen was predeceased by her in-laws Joe and Lee Gilbert, her sister-in-law Ellen, and her brothers-in-law Bryan, John, Karl and Georges.

Helen was known for her wicked sense of humour, her sharp wit, and her ability to deliver a one-liner that could make you laugh even when you swore you wouldn’t. Christmas was her favourite season, and she decorated accordingly—top to bottom, nook to cranny—filling her home with villages, Santas, and enough festive charm to make Hallmark jealous.

She loved cards, especially Kings in the Corner, and never turned down a good board game—particularly if grandchildren and friends were around to join in (and if she could win, of course). Her home was often filled with country music—lots of Conway Twitty—along with a little two-stepping and plenty of sports talk. Helen made many trips to curling events with her sisters and mother and took a special delight in cheering for the underdog—especially when it meant watching the Gushue and Jennifer Jones teams lose (with a grin that said she knew exactly how cheeky that was).

Helen had a soft spot for butterflies, dolphins, and the colour blue. She was also a devoted Toronto Maple Leaf’s fan, and her favourite player was William Nylander—always “Willy” to her. She loved travelling, embraced new challenges, and even learned how to trade online in the stock market in her late 70s—and did quite well, thank you very much. She also found real joy in the simple things: browsing Giant Tiger and the dollar stores, sitting in her yard on a warm summer day, and enjoying her beautiful daylilies. Above all, Helen was happiest when she was surrounded by the people she loved.

She will be lovingly remembered by her nieces Kim, Kelly, Shelagh, Shari, Linda, and Laura, and nephews Sean, Jason, Stewart, Ronnie, and Christian, and their families.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Details will be shared on the Peaceful Transition website and through social media once arrangements have been made.

In Helen’s memory, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Society would be greatly appreciated.

Online memories and condolences may be shared with the family at
www.peacefultransition.ca