Helen Terese (Plouffe) Plati – surrounded by 3 generations of her family, bathed in sunshine and song – our dear mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, died peacefully a week shy of her 89th birthday, on Sep 04, 2026. We recall her life with joy and suffer her passing in sadness. Daughter of Freda and Armand, she was pre-deceased by her husband of 63 years Vince Plati, daughter Teresa D’Agostino, son-in-law Frank D’Agostino, sisters Margaret Barnes, Jacquie Camier, and Marcella Perry, and is survived by her dear brother Maurice Plouffe.
She was a loving and dedicated mother to Larry (Gina Bacciocchi), Donna Hilsenteger (Dan), and Angela Hay (James). Helen adored her 8 grandchildren: Vincent Hilsenteger (Cindy Xin), Adrienne Plati, Lewis Hilsenteger (Monica Szklanny), AJ De Marco (Isabel), Alex Plati, Rosellen D’Agostino (Ashley Broderick), David Hay (Gregory Di Marino) and Elizabeth Edmands (Jack).
She was blessed with 8 great-grandchildren: William, Lincoln, Claire, Nathan, Sophia and Henry Hilsenteger, Aria De Marco and Penelope Edmands, who she showered with love. There are dozens of nieces and nephews with children and grandchildren of their own scattered in Ontario, Manitoba and all over Italy. She provided a home away from home for quite a few Italian nieces and nephews, most notably Mimmo Plati, and the Silvestri children; Fabrizio, Cristina & Alessio. Her newest best friend, the fluffy white puppy April, will miss her terribly.
Helen was a faithful child singing morning mass at St. Brigid’s before school every weekday for years. She was involved with the Catholic Young Peoples’ Club, attended Notre Dame Catholic High School, then married a handsome Italian man, who swept her off her feet.
Helen, a remarkably devoted wife, helped Vince to make homes for their family first in Peterborough, then Scarborough, Woodbridge, Davenport Florida, Bolton, and finally King City.
They lived a full and adventurous life. They were members of The Scarborough Golf and Country Club, Barrie snowmobile club, the Knights of Columbus and Catholic Women’s League, and piloted The Platinum at Big Bay Point Marina. Helen was the first mom to volunteer for every school trip with her big brown van, the surrogate mother to all of the Scarborough Young Bruins, she sang with Frank Sinatra and dined with Pavarotti. She served on the Villa Colombo Ladies’ Auxiliary, volunteered at St. Margaret Mary Church in Woodbridge, sang with Angela in the choir at Holy Family Parish in Bolton, gossiped with the Red Hatters of Winterhaven, Florida, and, until this June, continued to get out and play bingo with her friends at the Aurora Seniors Centre.
Her family grew to revolve around Nonna, and rely on her stories and games, her gentle wisdom, her hilarious poetry, her steadfast faith and her willingness to always put her family first. She believed life was for living, money for spending, jokes for telling, cards for playing, meals for sharing and kids for squeezing.
Hers was the kitchen table everyone gathered around; hers was the home with an open-door policy; hers was the original ‘safe space’. She was the woman who many referred to as Mamma “P”, always welcoming, never judging. All who knew Helen were better for it.
As a family, we are grateful for the extended group of professionals that came into Helen’s life in her later years. Her personal support workers with Spectrum Health Care, particularly Joy Anekwe, Nethi, and Sabrina, and her nurses, Ruby, Rachel and Barbara, ensured her the stability and dignity to remain safe at home for as long as possible. Hospice Vaughan came as a Godsend just as she needed one. We would especially like to thank mom’s kind and deeply compassionate nurse Julia, and palliative care doctor Eriney Hanna who brought grace, comfort and peace to her last days. We will never forget the many ways you helped us all.
We are inviting friends and well-wishers to join in a memorial visitation to be held at Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street South (Hwy. 50), Bolton (905-857-2213) on Friday, Sep 11 from 3:00 to 4:00 pm, followed by a memorial service in the chapel and a reception afterward. Her cremated remains will be privately interred alongside her husband Vince at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.
If desired, memorial donations may be made in Helen’s name to Hospice Vaughan (www.hospicevaughan.com).
Those unable to attend the service in person are invited to view the service through live streaming, at 4:00 p.m. or at a more convenient time for you, please click the following link:
https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=c32d9df3-9e01-45db-9490-f81e4b3ecc7b
You will be required to register for the service and then Forget Me Not Ceremonies will immediately send you an email with the actual link to the service. Please check your junk or spam inbox if you don’t receive the email with the actual link. If you experience any issues or have questions in regards to the live streaming, please feel free to contact Forget Me Not Ceremonies at 1-877-895-2739. Their customer service team will guide you step by step.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Patricia Di Marino
We are so incredibly sorry for your loss. Our heart goes out to you and your family during this incredibly difficult time. May the beautiful memories you shared bring you comfort, and may you find strength in the love of those around you. Keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. ❤️
Love, Patricia & Joseph Di Marino
JOY ANEKWE
My deepest condolences to you and your family on the heartbreaking loss of your beloved mother. May we find strength and comfort in the beautiful memories we shared with her. Her love, kindness, and presence will always remain in your hearts.
Wishing you and your family peace, comfort, and strength during this difficult time. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
Gig
Helen was like a grandma to me … the sweetest and the most loving person I ever met.. she gave me a nice pair of slippers that were so comfy … I wore it every winter cus they kept my feet warm…
It was always nice visiting her with my mom and having chats with her. It hurts a lot hearing the news of her passing. The world would be sm better if everyone was just as kind as you, Helen. Love you forever and you will be so missed. I wish we had a photo together…
Rest in Peace ️
Condolences to the family. you guys are in my thoughts.
Stefania Creador
From the moment I started working with Angela, I was warmly welcomed into her family’s home and had the privilege of getting to know Helen. She was, and will continue to be, one of the sweetest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.
Whenever I was dog-sitting April, Helen always made sure I had eaten and that I was comfortable and taken care of. I always looked forward to stopping by her home to say hello and share a lighthearted conversation. Some of my fondest memories are simply watching her enjoy dinner, sing, laugh, and embrace the people she loved.
Helen absolutely adored her family, and the love she had for them was so evident in everything she did. It was incredibly heartwarming and admirable to witness. I feel very grateful to have known her and to have experienced even a small part of the warmth and love she brought to those around her. She will be deeply missed.
Martin Russell and Dwight Ferris
Our sincere condolences to the extended and extensive family, friends and acquaintances of Mamma P. She was a beacon of light and hope for so many and truly was welcoming of all who sought counsel with her and refuge in her home. Our mourning is tempered in the knowledge she is in the eternal company of her saviour, the angels, Vincent and all her pre-deceased family and friends. Her love and kindness lives on in all who knew her. Her compassion and words of wisdom and guidance will always be remembered and appreciated Amen. Love Martin Russell and Dwight Ferris
Lisa Di Marino
To The Hay and Plati Families.
So Very Sorry for your loss.
From the moment I met Helen I felt such a comfort from her and her conversations. She touched my heart in such a way, and that is where she will remain. “A special place in my Heart”
May you find comfort in knowing Helen is at peace, singing and dancing together with her Love Vincent.
May She Rest in Eternal Peace
Sincere Condolences to you all❤️
Lisa and Joe Di Marino
Carson Loveless
Condolences to her family
Geny Aceto
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. So many good times shared together. She was a wonderful woman. Love Mario and Geny Aceto. ❤️
Anne Marie Wildman and Maria Capitelli
Condolences to the family. Helen was my bingo partner at the Aurora Seniors Center. From the beginning we always sat together from the start. We always had lots of laughs and fun. I will miss her very much.
John and Lesa Avarino
We are so sorry for your loss❤️
Sending you prayers and lots of love.
MICHAEL Evans
Condolences to the family.
My late wife and I enjoyed meeting Helen at the Aurora Seniors Centre for conversation and bingo. I will miss her.
Marion and Paul Farrugia
It was always a pleasure to have Helen come to the Holy Family Choir when Angela was leading us, and the occasional time after they moved to King City. I’m sure that all of your familly will have thousands of memories of Helen, that will keep her close to your hearts. Our sincere condolences.
ROSANNA BRODERICK FAMILY
Sending All my love & prayers out to all the family on the lose of your precious Angel.
She is now watching over all of her family.
May she RIP
Ashley’s Mom & Rosellen Mom in love . From all the Broderick Family
Niki and Sam Gallo
Angela and family, so sorry to hear of Helen’s passing. such a wonderful, sweet lady. there are no words that can lessen the pain you are all experiencing. The memories made together will forever remain in your hearts. A mother’s love will remain with us forever. Niki and Sam Gallo
Christine Whalen
My sincere condolences to Angela and family.
Christine Whalen (Gallo)
John Andriano
My condolences to the entire Plati family. I have fond memories of many wonderful years with both Helen and Mr. P. Helen was always the best hostess and always had a kind word for me. She will be greatly missed.
Love
John Andriano & family
Lina Montemurro
Dear Angela, Donna and Larry, we renew our heartfelt condolences for the death of dear Aunt Helen. We are all very sorry and renew our affection for my mother and all of us. We embrace you with our hearts.
Lina Montemurro (per Frencesca)
Dear Helen, you were a wonderful woman, always kind and affable every time I came to Toronto. Thank you. My last farewell to you is rest in peace along with your beloved Vince, whom I loved very much. Francesca Montemurro
Melissa Di Marino
My Deepest Condolences to the Family
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time ❤️
May Helen Rest in Peace as she watches over all her loved ones
Love Always; Melissa DiMarino
Michelle Plati
So heartbreaking to know about aunt Helen’s passing. She was a strong and caring woman, full of spark. I will forever remember her calling my nonna, Anna, to have a little chit-chat every week, which brought my nonna so much joy and to myself as well as I loved answering her call and hearing how she was doing. She was a great sister in law to my nonno, Michele and helped out my dad, Mimmo, when he needed it most. She had a great affect on so many people and I am happy to have had her as my aunt. Even though her physical body is no longer with us, her spark will live forever. We will never forget you Helen. Rest in peace with zio Vince.
– Michelle Plati
Susan Lundberg
Angela & Jim, Donna & Dan, Larry and the entire Plati family
Our visits to Woodbridge, Bolton and King City were extra special because of Helen. She always welcomed us with open arms and a loving heart. Mom (Gracie) also loved her time spent with Helen, they just “clicked”. I’m sure they are hugging and laughing together now.
For a girl from Thunder Bay, the times she stood in for Angela and Jim because they were working, were always memorable, including the day she took the girls and I to the boat for the afternoon, and picking me up at the airport with AJ when he just started driving!!! What a treat that was! (Sorry AJ)
I will always be grateful for how quickly she welcomed Cliff into the family. She accepted him unconditionally from day one, which meant the world to me.
Even though her health prevented her from joining us for “tea” up at Ang and Jim’s on our last visit through in April, we are grateful for the short visit we had in her home. Our visits won’t be the same without her beautiful smile and loving hugs, but we take comfort knowing that she is at peace and busy entertaining and spreading joy in her new home.
We want to extend our love, peace and comfort to the entire Plati family.
With sincere sympathy from your Thunder Bay family,
Susan & Cliff
Catherine, Jonny, Kayja & Molly
Kerri, Chris, Claire, Brock & Paige
Kelly, Tino, Nyah & Devante
xoxo
Frank & Lora Provenzano
We are so saddened to hear of the passing of our neighbour Helen. Always a beautiful big smile, kind word, or thoughtful story. We remember her with bounds of energy, always zipping around on her scooter, or preparing and waiting patiently for her ride to the next senior’s event or the day’s outing. We will miss her adoring spirit. Our sincere condolences, Frank, Lora Felicia & Carmen