Helen Duane - Carere

Helen Duane-Carere 
August 23, 1957 - January 24, 2023 

Summoning Luke’s strength and Matthew’s compassion, the Carere family shares devastating news of the sudden passing of Helen. 

Cherished mother of Matthew (deceased Nov 2022), Emily (Shawn),  Dominique (Wil),  Andrew (Dusti Rose)  and Luke (deceased June 2020), wife and partner of Marc.  

She is terribly missed by grandchildren Annabella, Cosmo, Sophia, and Jessica, her brother Tom Duane (Anne), sister Peg Best (Tom), the entire Duane, Solowska and Carere clans, nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends. In addition to her sons Matthew and Luke, Helen is predeceased by her parents Gus and Vera (Solowska) Duane. 

Helen passed away quietly in her home at Ballinahistle Farm on January 24th while on a break from the work she was most passionate about: shepherding newborn animals into life.  

Renowned for her quiet self-confidence, incredible work ethic, unwavering selflessness, genuine kindness, delicious meals and sharing Irish/Ukrainian fables, Helen was a ground breaker in more than literal ways. She broke through the glass ceiling in agriculture, managing progressive beef and dairy herds and finally one of Ontario’s largest most progressive lambing operations.  She built her knowledge each day and enthusiastically shared it with anyone who inquired.    For Helen, the finer things in life meant watching the morning sunrise over the farm, ensuring her family and livestock were well fed, safe and happy; and, appreciating nature’s stillness and wonder. Helen had a tremendous sense of adventure. She discovered our community through skydiving, enjoyed scuba diving, horseback riding, tripping into the back country, and learned to surf at the age of 60.  She will remain legendary for her passion in everything she did, devotion to family and culinary abilities - particularly turning leftovers in the fridge into gourmet dining.  

We take solace in knowing Helen is now with her two much loved sons. We move forward empowered with the knowledge that we are never alone. We now have Luke, Matthew and Helen’s combined energy with us in every challenging circumstance and beautiful moment. We channel Helen’s stoic resilience as we face this third profound loss in as many years. This only strengthens our resolve to find the beauty in the moment, positive in any circumstance and to express love, empathy and joy.  We remind all to hug often, be present and to say I love you.  Strive to show more kindness; do it now with the gentleness and integrity that characterized our treasured Helen.  

There are not enough words to express our gratitude to the many family and friends who have come forward with support in these days. Please know we are deeply thankful. As we honour Helen by forging on to ensure her beloved farm is cared for in this busy lambing season, we will announce memorial service arrangements in the coming weeks.