Helen Marie MacPherson

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Helen MacPherson on November 12, 2024, following complications from a life-threatening brain aneurysm. Helen had suffered the aneurysm on November 10 while at McNally Robinson bookstore in Saskatoon, a place she cherished deeply and considered her second home. Despite prompt response of her colleagues, followed by the best of care at Royal University Hospital and the unwavering love and support of her family and colleagues, Helen succumbed to the aneurysm’s complications. Helen was 69 years old.

Born on April 6, 1955, in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Helen was a beloved daughter, sister, and friend. Predeceased by her parents, Robert and Mary MacPherson, brother Daniel, and sister Mary (Bernie), Helen is survived by her large and loving family of brothers and sisters: Robert (Lynda), Truman (Thelma), Margaret (Rick), Jim (Janet), Owen (Elaine), Barbara, Alice (Ron), Bernadette (Ken), Howard (Mary Jane), John (Joanne), Neil (Patricia), Josephine, Rita, Paulette, Andrew (Tammy), and Charles (May), as well as her many nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.

Helen devoted her 40-year career to the retail book industry, sharing her passion for literature and creating spaces where stories could be celebrated. For the last 15 years, she served as the General Manager of McNally Robinson, where she cultivated a community of warmth, creativity, and connection. She was deeply respected by her extended family of employees and beloved by the many customers whose lives she enriched with her kindness and care. 

True to Helen’s compassionate nature, her passing has enabled the gift of organ donation, ensuring her legacy will continue to touch and transform lives.

Helen will be remembered for her humor, her dedication to family, her support of Saskatoon’s and Saskatchewan’s literary community, and her ability to make everyone feel valued and loved.

For those who wish to honor Helen’s spirit of generosity and lifelong dedication to literacy, donations to Foundations Learning & Skills Saskatchewan at https://foundationslearning.com (#2 -706 Duchess St, Saskatoon, S.K., S7K 0R3), would be a fitting tribute to her 40-year career in the book industry and her passion for supporting reading, learning, and local writers within the community.