Helen Shouldice grew up on a farm on the Elderslie-Brant Townline, just south of Paisley, with her father, grandmother, and three older sisters.

She started public school at SS#2 on the 2^nd of Elderslie and then moved on to Chesley High School. As a young adult, she moved to the Hamilton area, where she pursued an education in bookkeeping. She later became a valued employee for Flavorite Poultry, Dairy Queen Corporate Office and Lounsbury Property Management.

Helen was blessed with two daughters, Heather and Elaine. She had the full support of Roger and Flo Lagace in their upbringing.

While caring for her elderly father, Mervin, back in Paisley, Helen met John Leader and later married him. She took an office job at Bruce Packers, and when a fire destroyed that business, she was hired at The Beefway, just north of Kincardine. Helen was employed right up until August 2025. She loved her co-workers and working with the local farmers, meat retailers and restaurants.

Helen loved music and played piano in retirement homes and churches. She loved Elvis, and his music was always playing on her car radio. She never turned down an offer for a dance. She enjoyed many dinner theatres, music festivals and concerts over the years.

Helen loved to shop, but not for herself! She was always looking for treasures for her grandchildren, children, extended family members, and treasured friends. Helen kept track of family birthdays and loved hosting dinner parties for family for all major holidays (Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, etc.) For years, she organized a family Christmas party at the Holiday Inn in Guelph for her sisters and their extended families.

Helen was the most kind and open-hearted soul, showing love to everyone and making them feel welcome in her presence. In Helen’s own words, “I love to make people feel welcome! That makes me feel happy.”

After a brief battle with cancer, Helen Margaret (nee Shouldice) Leader passed away Sunday, October 12, 2025, peacefully at her home in Paisley. She was in her 70th year.

Devoted wife of John Leader. Loving mother of Heather Ewing (Chris) of Dornoch, Elaine Murray (Rob) of Edmonton, stepmother to Magdalena Luna (Arthur) of Calgary. Cherished grandma of Morgan (Nick), Mitchell and Hayley Ewing. Sister to Jeanie Mackie, Mary Thoman, and Anne McMullen (Les). Beloved aunt to all her nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents, Mervin and Margaret Shouldice, and stepson Oliver Leader.

Much loved by her many long standing friends and also her work colleagues, and farm associates through Bruce Packers and Beefway.

Visitation will be held at Paisley United Church, 399 Goldie St, Paisley, on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 6:30 – 9 p.m., where a memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 11 a.m. Private inurnment in Douglas Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Walkerton Hospital Foundation or the Chesley Hospital Foundation would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.