The death of Helen Agnes May Keirstead, wife of John Keirstead, Norton, NB occurred on March 25, 2017 at the Sussex Health Centre. Helen was born on the Swamp Road in Belleisle Creek, NB on October 3, 1938. The youngest child of the late Charles and Dorothy Foster, she grew up on the family farm with her grandfather, parents and three older brothers. Helen attended Elm Brook and Belleisle Regional High Schools. The first to admit that school had never been for her, she always stressed the importance of education to her family. The graduation of her three boys and, more recently, her six grandchildren, was her greatest source of pride. Helen was a stay-at-home wife and mother. She tended their animals while John was at work, gardened, and made butter from the cream produced on the farm – her contribution to John’s "hobby". Her homemade bread and apple pies were favourites of the grandchildren. She loved country and blue grass music and she and John attended most local shows. Although never ones for travelling, in 2012 she accompanied son John and Vicky, along with Vicky’s mother and grandmother, on her only airplane trip. She visited Niagara Falls and the African Lion Safari in Hamilton, Ontario. Besides her husband of 56 years, Helen is survived by sons Richard of Midland; Reginald of Norton; and John (Vicky) of Sussex; grandsons Garrett (Taylor McLean) and Benjamin; granddaughters Kristina (Ben Stewart), Andrea, Stacy (Scott Lamont) and Lauren; great-grandson Parker; brother Otis Foster of Fredericton; sisters-in-law Marilyn Foster of Sussex Corner and Nettie Keirstead of Lower Millstream; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by brothers Albert (1934-2003) and Maurice (1935–2016); sisters-in-law Marie Foster and Doris Keirstead; brothers-in-law Donald (Florence), James and Ralph (Dorian) Keirstead; and daughter-in-law Margaret. She is resting at Sherwood’s Funeral Home and Life Tribute Centre, (506-839-2156) 18 Scovil Road, Norton, NB with visiting on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 from 3 to 5 and 6 to 8 PM. Funeral Service conducted by Rev. Alden Crain, will be held from Sherwood’s Funeral Home Chapel at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, March 29, 2017. A private family interment will take place in Riverbank Cemetery in the spring. Donations in memory of Helen may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Sussex Extra-Mural or to the memorial of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and donations may be made through SherwoodsFuneralHome.com.