Helen Otrosina
S.I. Hamilton-Burlington
April 3, 1935 – September 5, 2024

     Hamilton has lost a remarkable woman. A woman who believed that her purpose in life was to help others. The family of Helen Otrosina is sad to announce her passing on September 5, 2024, at the age of 89.
     From a young age Helen was deeply connected to her community. She was a child of immigrants and was required to translate and assist them in adapting to their new country. Helen was proud of her parents who raised four children and through hard work were eventually able to purchase a house in Westdale. For most of her life Helen lived there and because she seemed to know everyone and everything on the street was given the title “Mayor of Arkell” by some. Helen assisted neighbours and friends who needed transportation to appointments and shopping. She was greatly saddened when she was told that it was no longer safe for her to drive. Helen really loved to drive.
     Helen’s professional life was impressive. Her family had limited resources so post-secondary education was not an option for her. She made up for this by working very, very hard. After graduating from Westdale high school, Helen began working as a ward clerk at the Hamilton General Hospital. She worked up to the role of Medical Secretary for Dr. John Sibley. When he became Associate Dean of Education for the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University, Helen followed and became part of the supporting faculty team that pioneered the “Problem Based Learning” – a program which stressed hands-on experience for undergraduate medical students. Helen was involved in the annual screening and interview process for all McMaster medical school applicants when approximately 2200 applicants were vying for 100 positions.   
     She worked at McMaster for over 35 years and established herself as a powerhouse source of reliability in her knowledge, direction and leadership skills. She was never afraid of a challenge and would voice her opinion to all levels of academic and administration of the faculty. In her last decade of work, she spearheaded the management, control and operations of the Medical Student Admissions Office, which was appreciated across the whole campus. During this time, she also hired many young staff members and kickstarted some significant and prominent careers. Helen retired in 2000. During her time as a Medical Secretary, she was a member of the Canadian Association of Medical Secretaries and attended many national and international conferences and at one time was the President of the Ontario Association.
     Despite her demanding work life and assisting her aging parents, Helen found time to write personal notes to people she knew who were hospitalized, in long-term care or alone so they would know that someone was thinking of them. She offered, if not her time, but regular financial donations to charities in Hamilton. Helen assisted at the Good Shepherd, was a supporter of Amnesty International, received a certificate of recognition for her 18 years of blood donation at the Red Cross and even collected newspapers for use at the now closed Hamilton Aviary among many of her charitable contributions.
     Helen’s commitment to service also extended to Soroptimist International where she was a Charter Member of the Hamilton-Burlington Club. She was a member from 1979, until her passing. Helen held numerous positions within the club but dedicated significant time and energy overseeing 38 library book sale fundraisers, which raised nearly three hundred thousand dollars for club projects.
     Known for her engaging personality, Helen had a gift for conversation and gab. Her vibrant presence and ceaseless determination will make her greatly missed. Helen spent the last few months of her life in hospital where she felt that it was her job and purpose, right up to her last moments of her life to bring companionship to the lonely, and joy and laughter to the suffering.
     Helen will forever be missed by her family and long-term friends, who she regarded as family. We would like to thank Dr. Solomon and the staff of 3W/3E at St Peter’s Hospital for their kindness, understanding and professionalism, and for making Helen’s final journey a surprisingly joyous one.
     Helen Otrosina was warm, kind, compassionate, supportive, understanding, practical, generous, frugal, helpful, chatty, industrious, interesting and tireless. She was a lot of things but, she was our Helen. We love you and miss you.
     Helen wanted to remind everyone to find time to dance, sing and laugh because the journey of life is short.
     As per Helen’s wishes, no memorial will be held – however donations in her memory can be made to: Soroptimist International of Hamilton-Burlington. c/o: Treasurer, 1951 Snake Road, Burlington, Ontario L7P 4Y1