Obituary for Helen Kay Ludlow (Suurallik)
Helen Ludlow (Helle Kai Suurallik) 19/08/1945- 11/03/2022
On the early morning of March 11th, 2022, Helen Ludlow, at the age of 76 passed away unexpectedly.
Her loss is heartbreaking for all who knew and loved her so dearly. She leaves behind her husband of 57 years, Barry Ludlow. A loving mother and friend to their son Abe (Abrim) and his partner Sonya. Helen is reunited with her cherished sister Ena (1985), her mother Selma (2012) and her father Harald (1979). Helen was a dedicated sister to Andy (whom she often lovingly called her ‘baby brother’), a devoted aunt to his son Benjamin and daughter Jessie. Helen was a warm-hearted caring aunt to her sister's son Tom and his family. Her most precious gifts were her three grandsons; Jackson, Nolan, and Carter. She was truly delighted in having the opportunity to watch them grow up into wonderful young men.
The central heartbeat of the family, Helen was instrumental in finding ways to keep in touch and always reaching out to lend a hand, sit with someone in need or deliver a warm meal. She radiated acceptance and love to all who were lucky enough to be in her large circle. She adored a good ole family get together. Sharing memories and stories while laughing with her loved ones. Helen will always be that person who inspired and illuminated the true importance of celebrating the milestones of life. She will always be carried in the hearts of her many precious family members and friends (in Canada & Europe).
Helen rejoins the lively chorus of relatives who have passed before her. She will have been greeted along the pathway to heaven and placed into the safe embrace of many loving arms.
Helen’s distinctive voice was gregarious and engaging. Her words were often full of playful enthusiasm, warmth and compassion. An incredible person, who established deeply authentic connections in her life and often said that ‘True friends could go long periods of time without speaking, but never needed to question the strength of the friendship’. This was very true in the last two years where many special occasions were unfortunately spent apart or put on hold. Helen was making plans to visit and reconnect. Spring was to be full of new beginnings, reunions, hugs, laughter and the making of new memories. She was full of life and love. After several fantastic trips back to Europe, another trip was in the works for 2023. Helen loved traveling back to Estonia and the surrounding areas and reconnecting with family there.
Always dressed with an effortless flare, Helen believed everyday was to be celebrated and she was every bit as statuesque as a goddess. When Helen entered the room, all those in attendance couldn’t help but take notice of her presence. She had a classic trademark style. Helen’s spirit shone a light so great that even after her passing, the light will forever remain.
Helen’s family was from Estonia and she was born in nearby Sweden in 1945. Her family moved to Canada when she was 5 years old. She often spoke about the challenges she endured during those times but she was so very proud of her roots. Helle eventually changed her name to Helen and she married her first love, Barry Ludlow, at 19 years of age. Barry and Helen enjoyed boating, golfing and traveling together. They had plans to spend their twilight years boating again on the beautiful Great Lakes during the warm Ontario summers and were working on realizing their retirement dream. Helen recently posted this on social media, “Slow down and enjoy the ride. I am reminded that when it’s our time to leave this body, no one can stop it. We have one life to live. The material things we invest in during our lives are left behind.” Life was about living out dreams, being strong, brave and bold.
Helen’s wish was to be cremated and in later spring, she will be interred in a private ceremony beside her sister Ena at the Glendale Cemetery.
A celebration of life for Helen is being planned for the warmer months. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested donations to be made to:
https://toronto.dressforsuccess.org/get-involved/donate/
https://www.redcross.ca/donate
On the early morning of March 11th, 2022, Helen Ludlow, at the age of 76 passed away unexpectedly.
Her loss is heartbreaking for all who knew and loved her so dearly. She leaves behind her husband of 57 years, Barry Ludlow. A loving mother and friend to their son Abe (Abrim) and his partner Sonya. Helen is reunited with her cherished sister Ena (1985), her mother Selma (2012) and her father Harald (1979). Helen was a dedicated sister to Andy (whom she often lovingly called her ‘baby brother’), a devoted aunt to his son Benjamin and daughter Jessie. Helen was a warm-hearted caring aunt to her sister's son Tom and his family. Her most precious gifts were her three grandsons; Jackson, Nolan, and Carter. She was truly delighted in having the opportunity to watch them grow up into wonderful young men.
The central heartbeat of the family, Helen was instrumental in finding ways to keep in touch and always reaching out to lend a hand, sit with someone in need or deliver a warm meal. She radiated acceptance and love to all who were lucky enough to be in her large circle. She adored a good ole family get together. Sharing memories and stories while laughing with her loved ones. Helen will always be that person who inspired and illuminated the true importance of celebrating the milestones of life. She will always be carried in the hearts of her many precious family members and friends (in Canada & Europe).
Helen rejoins the lively chorus of relatives who have passed before her. She will have been greeted along the pathway to heaven and placed into the safe embrace of many loving arms.
Helen’s distinctive voice was gregarious and engaging. Her words were often full of playful enthusiasm, warmth and compassion. An incredible person, who established deeply authentic connections in her life and often said that ‘True friends could go long periods of time without speaking, but never needed to question the strength of the friendship’. This was very true in the last two years where many special occasions were unfortunately spent apart or put on hold. Helen was making plans to visit and reconnect. Spring was to be full of new beginnings, reunions, hugs, laughter and the making of new memories. She was full of life and love. After several fantastic trips back to Europe, another trip was in the works for 2023. Helen loved traveling back to Estonia and the surrounding areas and reconnecting with family there.
Always dressed with an effortless flare, Helen believed everyday was to be celebrated and she was every bit as statuesque as a goddess. When Helen entered the room, all those in attendance couldn’t help but take notice of her presence. She had a classic trademark style. Helen’s spirit shone a light so great that even after her passing, the light will forever remain.
Helen’s family was from Estonia and she was born in nearby Sweden in 1945. Her family moved to Canada when she was 5 years old. She often spoke about the challenges she endured during those times but she was so very proud of her roots. Helle eventually changed her name to Helen and she married her first love, Barry Ludlow, at 19 years of age. Barry and Helen enjoyed boating, golfing and traveling together. They had plans to spend their twilight years boating again on the beautiful Great Lakes during the warm Ontario summers and were working on realizing their retirement dream. Helen recently posted this on social media, “Slow down and enjoy the ride. I am reminded that when it’s our time to leave this body, no one can stop it. We have one life to live. The material things we invest in during our lives are left behind.” Life was about living out dreams, being strong, brave and bold.
Helen’s wish was to be cremated and in later spring, she will be interred in a private ceremony beside her sister Ena at the Glendale Cemetery.
A celebration of life for Helen is being planned for the warmer months. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested donations to be made to:
https://toronto.dressforsuccess.org/get-involved/donate/
https://www.redcross.ca/donate