The obituary notice of Helen Elizabeth SMITH

Read with great sadness.I have some very fond memories as a dance teacher when I was young and as a friend, when I grew up. We shared lots of good times, always with a friendly smile and a kind word. I loved your dance classes. You taught me “where you lead”.. my mum always sent me to class with a packet of chip sticks and a cheese sandwich for you because you had to teach straight from work and were always hungry... fond fond memories.. bst wishes to Royston and Robert and Natalie (although I have never met you).. your Mum was a real human being - soft genuine and kind hearted..

I only just heard about Helen's illness and death. Am so shocked and saddened by this and my heart goes out to Roy, Robert and Natalie. I met Helen at Ann Oliver's very first dance venue in Glen Street. She made me a little teddy when I went off to boarding school aged 11 and I treasured that for years ...until it literally disintegrated!! We wrote to each other often whilst I was at school and again when I went to live in the Middle East. I vividly remember the caravan holiday we went on with the Masons in Skeggy and her mum making us matching bra dresses to take with us. I had my first night out in town with Helen ....we danced our socks off in the top rank....my mum used to say that Helen was born to dance, she was such a natural! We were friends for years and she always made me and my 3 young kids so welcome in her lovely home when when we went to visit. She was a 'golden' friend from my childhood and I wish I could have said goodbye to her. So many fond memories Helen. May you Rest peacefully now. With Love. Catherine Heffernan xxx

So sad to hear this news today at BTDA Meeting. Helen was a Senior girl when I started Dancing at The Ann Oliver Stage School as a six year old. Fond memories-Denise LaCombe xxxx

So very sad. Such a lovey and fun loving woman. Free from pain now Helen. Love to all the family. Mary xx

I have such fond childhood memories of Helen. I spent a lot of fun times playing at your house with Natalie, riding on the back of Roy’s motorbike over homemade Ramos and you would always have a smile on your face. I loved your dance classes, you would always jokingly tell me off for biting my nails and every time Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” is played I genuinely think about you jumping around with such energy and laughter. Your laugh was infectious and you will be so missed. Sending all our love to Roy, Natalie and Robert and to your loved ones too, we will be thinking of you all today. Love from Lucy, Bev, Emma and Andrew xxx

Will always think you Helen (Nats mum) with a huge smile and kind eyes, thinking and remembering you tomorrow all our love Cristie, Dean, Esmee & Errol xxxxxxxxx