Florence McKee (née Helash) passed away peacefully on October 25, 2026 surrounded by her loved ones after an extended illness. She was born on July 25, 1948 in Sudbury at St. Joseph’s Hospital to Peter and Alice Helash (née Ciotka), both of whom are predeceased. Their much loved and cherished first born, three siblings followed, beginning seven years later with Valerie Helash, then Gail Zembrzycki (Daniel), and lastly, Peter Helash (Jeanette). Florence had a natural propensity for caregiving, and recognized early on that her life’s calling was nursing. She graduated from the Sudbury Regional School of Nursing in 1970 and proceeded to care for patients at the Copper Cliff Hospital, St. Jean de Brébeuf in Sturgeon Falls, the West Nipissing General Hospital in Sturgeon Falls, and then the Memorial Hospital, now part of Health Sciences North. Upon retiring in 2013, Florence continued to give selflessly of herself, caring for patients at both Finlandia and York Extendicare through to the end of the pandemic.
By all accounts, her first meeting with Donald McKee (predeceased), arranged by a matchmaking family friend, constituted “love at first sight,” leading them to marry on May 20, 1972. They enjoyed an extended honeymoon period, filled with laughter, travel, and friendships, before having two children: Corey and Melissa Carscadden (Shawn). They loved their children dearly, and shared their love of travel, cottaging, sport, and dance with both of them. Florence also leaves behind her grandsons Skylar, Nolan, and Max. Family trips to North Bay, where Donald was born and raised, ensured that family ties with her sisters-in-law, Maureen (predeceased) (Bill), Marilyn (Bernie, predeceased), Joanne (Nick), and Kathy (Pierre, predeceased), remained strong. The distance between families continued to be bridged through annual family reunions, where many cherished memories were made.
Donald passed away suddenly in 2007, which absolutely devastated Florence. She never recovered from this loss and is now at rest with him in their happily ever after. She spent her remaining years re-connecting with old friends, gardening, shopping, and cooking, inspired by the meals she watched top chefs develop on television. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends who remain inspired by her life of service.
A private celebration of life will follow. For those wishing to honour Florence’s memory, please consider making a donation to the Shirley and Jim Fielding Northeast Cancer Centre (click here) or the Canadian Cancer Society (click here).