Obituary of Mary Helen Smith

SMITH, Mary Helen (formerly Gratton) (The Book Den, Ottawa) Peacefully at the Montfort Hospital, Ottawa on Tuesday morning, July 14th, 2015; Mary Helen Smith of Ottawa passed away at the age of 89 years. Youngest and last surviving child of the late Louis Victor "L.V." Pilon and the late Lena Marontate. Beloved wife and best friend of Thurston Smith. Predeceased by her first husband, Gerry Gratton (1977). Dearly loved mother of Paul Gratton of Toronto; Daniel Gratton (Brenda Stufko) of Ottawa and Louise Lalonde (Wilfred) of Greely. Cherished and proud "Gramma" of Dylan Lalonde. Predeceased by her 4 brothers: Frank Pilon (late Kaye); Vincent Pilon (late Cécile); Bill Pilon and Ambrose Pilon (late Gisèle) as well as her only sister, Olive Sutherland (late Robert "Bob"). Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Mary Helen grew up at Pilon's Bakery in Vankleek Hill. She later left home to pursue a career in Nursing that brought her to Ottawa where she met and married Gerry Gratton, there they raised their family. Following Gerry's death in 1977, Mary Helen subsequently met and later married Thurston Smith and together they opened and operated The Book Den on MacLaren Street until its closing in 2014. She will be lovingly remembered for her gentle and kind spirit as well as her unwavering faith in God. Friends are invited to join Mary Helen's family during visitation at the St. Laurent Chapel of Hulse, Playfair and McGarry Inc., 1200 Ogilvie Road, Ottawa on Sunday afternoon, July 19th from 2 to 4 p.m. and again on Monday morning, July 20th from 9:30 until 10:15 a.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 400 St. Laurent Blvd., Ottawa on Monday morning at 11 o'clock. Interment to follow at Notre Dame Cemetery. In memory of Mary Helen, a donation to the Franciscan Mission Associates would be appreciated by her family. In the care of the her nephew, André Pilon and the staff of the Pilon Family Funeral Home and Chapel Ltd., 50 John Street North, Arnprior.