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In Memoriam: Helena Hook

In Memoriam: Helena Hook (1946-2024)

(Pictured at left, summer writers' retreat, 2022)

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Helena Hook, a cherished member of WFNB, who died peacefully on August 3rd in the palliative care unit at Saint John Regional Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on June 4th, 1946, in Athlone, Ireland, Helena emigrated to New Brunswick with her husband Stuart and their two children, Fiona and Ian, in 1973. The family settled on Darlings Island, where they were blessed with a third child, David. Later, they moved to Quispamsis, where Helena's love of nature bloomed in the form of beautiful, lush gardens surrounding their home.

Helena’s life was a canvas of vibrant colours, from her work at her Saint John business, Radiant Colours, to the vivid imagery in her poetry and prose. Her passion for writing and learning was unwavering. At the age of 60, she returned to university, earning a Bachelor of Arts in English. Her thesis explored the work of the late Irish poet and playwright Seamus Heaney, further connecting her to her Irish roots.

A devoted writer, Helena was a beloved member of the Seaside Scribes, a Saint John writing group who will miss her dearly. Her work was published in various anthologies and magazines, and her family memoir, Threads of Time, offers a touching tribute to her mother’s resilience. Set in the busy market town of Athlone in the 1950s and 60s, Threads of Time unravels the complex fabric of an Irish family and the enduring strength of its bonds.

Threads of Time is available on Kindle and in paperback on Amazon.

Helena’s obituary can be found here.