Died peacefully on October 22, 2020 after a short stay in the Ottawa Heart Institute. Survived by her sons Michael (Denise Jacques) and Stephen (Susie Wilkinson) and her beloved grandchildren Emma and Christopher. Predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Douglas Small.
Margaret Helen McMahon was born on December 31st, 1924 in Port Hope, Ontario. She attended high school in Toronto at Weston Collegiate and Vaughan Road Collegiate. After receiving a Honours B.A in history from the University of Toronto, class of 4T8, she went to Queen's where she completed the course work for a M.A in Canadian history. She then moved to Ottawa in 1949 as part of the wave of university graduates who were joining the expanding federal public service. Helen was justly proud that she finished second in the university graduate entrance exam ahead of eight other men who went on to become Deputy Ministers. She was hired by the Department of Finance and then, at the request of Bob Bryce, she became the first female officer to join the newly formed Treasury Board Secretariat.
Helen met Douglas in Ottawa and they married in May 1952. They began their foreign service lives with a posting to Germany in 1956, where their two sons were born, followed by assignments to Nigeria, Tanzania, the U.K, Pakistan and New Zealand. As a diplomatic wife and ultimately the wife of a Canadian Ambassador, Helen managed the considerable representational duties of this unpaid job with pride and practical good humour. She always said her diplomatic memoir would be entitled "Accompanying Baggage". In between overseas postings, Helen completed her M.A and wrote her thesis on the first election in Ontario in 1867. She went on to work for the Parliamentary Centre and finally for the Applebaum-Hébert review of federal cultural policy.
As the eldest of her generation on her mother's side, she inherited the mantle of family genealogist from her mother, Jean, and she completed a deeply researched history of the Bull family to great acclaim. Helen's mind remained sharp right till the end of her 95 years and she maintained a keen interest in history, art, music and gardens. But her family and its story over successive generations in Canada had pride of place in her affections. She was widely admired by many younger female relatives as a model of a strength, intelligence and drive. She will be greatly missed. Donations in her memory can be made to the Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation, the National Gallery of Canada Foundation and the Ontario Historical Society. For links for these organizations and messages of condolence please go to www.beechwoodottawa.ca.
Digital Guestbook
Gwyn Kutz
Julia Rhodes
Helen was such a wonderful person. The best pie maker, ever. A wealth of knowledge, especially about the "rellies". I hope she, your dad, and Jeoff are having a great conversation. Love, Julia
Ruth Archibald
So very sorry to hear of the death of Helen Small, whom I knew towards the end of her life. A life well lived. Condolences to her family, especially to my friend and former colleague, Michael.
Marc Perron
Michael et Denise,
Mes pensées vous accompagnent dans ces moments difficiles. Tous mes respects pour une femme exceptionnelle qui a laissé sa marque partout où elle est passé.
Salutations amicales, Marc
Adele Dion
So sorry to hear of the passing of Helen Small, who was truly a role model for her family, the Foreign Service community and many others. Sincere condolences to her family, especially Michael and Denise.
Doreen Steidle
Michael,
My sincere condolences to you and Denise on the passing of your mother. She was a remarkable woman who lived a life of great adventure supported by a close, loving family and many friends. I know you will miss her greatly and my thoughts are with you.
George Haynal
Hello Michael,
I am sorry for your loss,but your Mom's has been a very full and wonderful life.I will miss the colleagues of her generation. She was a kind mentor to Donna and other young spouses,and your Dad,,I remember with special warmth, always kind and considerate to his juniors, who inspired not just respect but affection among us all.
Tamara Sorger
Dear Michael, sending deepest condolences. All support, to you and Denise.
Harriette Brottman
I did not know Helen for long but we became soul mates. I especially enjoyed her company over a drink and conversation at the dinner table. I shall miss her.
My sympathy to the family on their loss.
Harriette Brottman
Eve and Fen Hampson
Sincerest and deepest condolences to Michael and Stephen and your families on your Mother’s passing. She was a great lady and tour de force, possessed with a great sense of humour and an impeccable memory. We enjoyed her company and conversations at the Rockcliffe, especially about the Manitoba maples in the garden. Our thoughts are with you.
A life and legacy to be proud of, both within the family and out, given that she would have inspired many women with her pioneering career, and helped to open the pathway for the next generation of women in the public service. Canadians can also be grateful for her representation of Canada abroad in the unsung but high value-added role of diplomatic spouse. Deepest condolences to her family and her many friends. Gwyn