January 24, 1934 - February 10, 1025
It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of our beloved Helen Jean von Svoboda (Lonsdale) of Guelph, Ontario on Monday, February 10th 2025 at 91 years of age.
She will be lovingly remembered by her children Alexander (Holly), Tanya (Vince), Sonya (David), Shane (Susan); grandchildren Maria, Kristyn, Alexander, Natasha (Tyler), Jordan, Heidi, Hannah, and Troy; and great-grandchildren Isla and Elias.
Born on January 24th 1934 in Toronto, Ontario to mother Elizabeth Lamont Ferns (Scotland) and father Peter Lonsdale (Buckingham, Quebec). She was resilient from her first days, defying the odds at only 3 lbs, and surviving getting hit by a car at age seven. Half siblings Hubert, Josephine Vicky, Daisy Vivian and Dorothy, and siblings Peter and James kept her busy taking her to baseball games, boxing matches, roller skating, ice skating, picnics at the Toronto beaches, swimming at the Sunnyside tank, and giggling about who would be going to the dances.
Helen was educated at Ogden Rd Public School and then Central Tech in Toronto. She fondly recalled her first jobs as a switch board operator at United Cigar and receptionist at IBM and Perfect Circle where she used her sharp memory and friendly demeanor. But it’s from her modeling days working for Holt Renfrew and Simpsons that Helen was known to exude beauty and grace.
Through a chance encounter at a local Toronto dance, Helen met her husband-to-be Alexander von Svoboda (Austria). It was on a streetcar where she was won over with a beautiful bouquet of roses presented to her by her soon-to-be husband. Helen was wed to the love of her life Alexander on October 30th 1954 when she was 20 years old.
Helen was a devoted wife for 64 years and enjoyed living life to the fullest with her artist-husband Alexander. As their life together grew, so did their family, welcoming four children into their lives. Helen accompanied her husband through many work-related adventures and travels. As a long-time resident of Schomberg, Ontario, she later went on to reside in Barrie, Ontario and part-time on the white sandy beaches of Treasure Cay, Bahamas. In her final years, she resided with her daughter, son-in-law and grandson in Guelph, Ontario.
In her younger years, Helen and her husband enjoyed having a hobby farm. They showed their horses at Quarterama during the Canadian National Exhibition and frequented the Royal Winter Fair. She loved raising dachshunds and always had himalayan cats to cuddle. In her later years, she enjoyed nature, the garden, and bird watching.
Helen was the youngest of the Lonsdale family and she didn’t know a lot about her father’s family history. Having an Indigenous Canadian background was hush-hush in those days. Now we are so proud. That’s why you were such a beautiful and resilient woman.
She kept fit and inspired many by being the oldest person in her yoga, tai chi, and exercise classes. She was well-known in the neighbourhood for taking her daily walks and stopping to wave or talk to everyone she passed. Helen was an avid news watcher, loved her cups of tea; she was soft-spoken, elegant, and a very giving person. We remember Helen for her loving heart, her charm and her beauty. No one could wear a large-brimmed beach hat or a full fur hat and matching fur coat like Helen could.
In her last days, she was at peace knowing she was going to be with her late husband, parents and siblings once again. We hope you are all having tea time together. We will love you forever and always.
Private cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Helen’s Life will be held in May. The family appreciates your love and support and will be honouring Helen privately.