Helen Breakwell/Nichol/Jameson

 December 2, 1934 – July 12, 2024

Helen was born to William & Edna McKenzie (nee Barager) December 2, 1934 in Regina Saskatchewan.

Helen lived in many places throughout her life but she wasn’t “truly home” until she purchased a rustic piece of land just outside of Nelson B.C. (Blewett) in 1965.

At a very young age Helen realized that she much preferred to be outside helping her father with the chores then inside helping her mother with the housework so it’s no surprise that she fell in love with what would one day, after much labor, become an animal rehabilitation center where she cared for injured wildlife for over fifty years.

Helen married Beverly Edward Breakwell in 1954 and the couple were blessed with four children, Edward William, Edna Gladys (deceased), Ross Selwyn, and Richard James (deceased).

Shortly after moving to Nelson Beverly became ill and after a lengthy illness he passed away on December 25, 1972 leaving Helen to raise the four children and run the farm on her own.

Helen was a strong woman who took on the challenge as she always did when faced with difficult times.

On March 20, 1976 Helen married Everett Howard Nichol and the two shared their love of “farm life” for eleven years before Everett passed away on November 23, 1987 once again leaving Helen on her own.

On September 26, 1992 Helen married her longtime friend, a conservation officer, Sydney Ernest Jameson.  Sadly Sydney passed away on August 16, 2014.  Although Helen lost three husbands and two of her children she was a strong woman, and the enjoyment she got out of helping wildlife assisted with getting her through the difficult times.

Helen was a hard worker, never afraid to “put her back into it”.  She was an avid gardener and had a huge garden.   Although the outdoors was where she preferred to be she spent many hours in her kitchen cooking and baking.  Her Dandelion Wine will not be forgotten by those that had the chance to taste it.

Somehow in between all the chores that kept her busy on the farm she managed to fit in working for the Nelson City Police as a guard for several years.  Often getting home in the wee hours of the morning just in time to start the chores.

Helen’s Blewett Farm was well known to the many school children and seniors homes that were treated to visiting the many animals that were in Helen’s care.   Though the animals varied from Bears, Cougars, Moose, Elk, it was always a treat to be able to see the animals close up.

Highlights of Helen’s life included being awarded the Minister’s Environmental award in 1990 when she was honored with a Dinner at the Government House in Victoria for her 20 years of dedicated efforts in caring for injured and orphaned wildlife.

In 2016 Helen was named “Nelson Citizen of the Year” and her efforts were recognized by the local community.

Helen was too busy on the farm to take many vacations so an Alaska Cruise with her family in 2008 was an experience that she never forgot.

In 2021 Telus Storyhive featured Helen’s story as a documentary called Stay Wild | STORYHIVE

Although struggling with Dementia at the time she was able to account many stories of her years of Wildlife Rehabilitation.

In 2022 Helen’s health declined and she was no longer able to care for the animals or the farm so she moved to Rosewood Village where she resided until her death.

Helen passed away peacefully at Rosewood Village with her family by her side on July 12, 2024.  She leaves behind her two sons, Edward (Carol) Breakwell (Nelson B.C.) and Ross Breakwell (Fruitvale B.C), Grandchildren Jake Breakwell and LuCinda Rollick, and four great grandchildren.

She is also survived by her sister Sandi (Don) Cummings, as well as her step children and their children.

Helen’s family would like to express special thanks to the Staff of Rosewood for the excellent care Helen received while she lived there.

There will be a private service for family and close friends held at Thompson’s Funeral Home, 613 Ward Street, Nelson with burial to follow at the Nelson Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers donations in Helen’s memory can be made to the B.C. Wildlife Federation at https://bcwf.bc.ca/ or to a charity of their choice.