HELEN KATHERINE (NEE ZACHARIAS) ORR

HELEN KATHERINE (NEE ZACHARIAS) ORR December 4, 1926 – August 3, 2017. Born in Herbert, Saskatchewan and daughter to Katherine Friesen and Martin Zacharias. A musician and an analyst and activist of all things political, Mom lived a full and vigorous 90 years. A career including Red Cross educator, public school teacher, music teacher, a lover of the arts, a mother and a wife. Predeceased by her husband of 62 years John Alvin Orr, her daughter-in-law Adriana Orr (James Orr), her son Thomas Orr (Mary Keates), sisters Margaret, Judy, Esther and Norma and brothers Len, Herb and John, Mom had a keen awareness and stamina necessary to live and die well. Mom had a sharp mind and honed a deep understanding of human behaviour and relationships. She knew the power of engagement. She understood the impact one person has in the casting of their vote. Mom was curious and adventuresome. She saw possibilities and created fresh realities. She was independent and a master of adaption. Continuing some of mom’s traditions and honouring her innovative flare in both thought and design are her remaining children; John Orr (Linda), Mary Orr (Michael O’Rourke), Patricia Orr (Ray Allan) and James Orr and seven grandchildren (Emily, Sarah, Michael, Vanessa, Euan, Andrew, Berton) and many great-grandchildren along with sister Anne and brother Raymond (Deidre), and extended family and friends. Honour our mother by daring to vote in the next election and in loving the art form – listen to music, dance, imagine through theatre, tune into opera or ballet, open to visual art, celebrate your voice, and inspire the person next to you to bring their forgotten instrument back to life. In lieu of flowers it was our mother’s wish that monetary donations be made to: Christ Church Cathedral School (Victoria, British Columbia): Chorister Stream. A service will be held at Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria, British Columbia on November 4, 2017 at 2:30 pm.