What can one say about Helen
To sum up just how much she meant 
To all of her friends and her families 
By quoting the tributes they’ve sent? 
Would a poem that tells her life story 
Do her justice at this sombre event? 
Yes! Please excuse its jovial meter - 
The words are sincerely well-meant!

What do they say of her character?
‘Generous’, ‘warm-hearted’ and ‘fun’. 
She cherished her weekly phone calls 
To check in with everyone
She was grateful to all of her helpers
So thankful for all that was done,
And proud of her families’ achievements: 
She forgot not a single one.

What can one say of her teaching? 
For most it was long, long ago!
So many appreciative learners 
Owe her all that they know!
Her patience, her humour, her wisdom: 
Her colleagues remember her so.
We’ll miss her grammatical prowess, 
And her Latin: ipso facto!

What can one say of her work life 
Which shows her more erudite side? 
Her pupils respected and loved her 
But her ‘no-nonsense’ rules applied! 
Used her voice and imposing stature 
To quell any riot inside.
And as teacher, role model and mentor: 
Was “a subliminal leadership guide”.

What can one say of her singing –
That beautiful voice, so strong!
Her peers all praised her ability,
Her friends recalled favourite songs.
It brought her such joy, and she shared it 
With family, choirs, and throngs.
Made friendships in music societies 
That lasted her whole lifetime long.

What can one say of performance 
In quartets, choirs, solos?
As Mezzo-soprano, contralto, 
Grand venues and concert halls: 
So many prestigious recitals,
Her voice has graced them all 
With “perfection of the legato” 
As an admiring tenor recalls.

And what of her singing tuition? 
“Don’t develop the voice too young!” 
Or a “gentle punch in the stomach”
for getting his breathing all wrong. 
One says she was “no shrinking violet - 
Her personality was so strong”
Oh! And “never turn up for a concert 
With only one frock to put on”!

What can one say of her leisure,
When teaching and singing were done? 
Reading; travel; golf courses
In search of that rare hole-in-one!
Earl Grey and toast in the mornings, 
Later, gin “well maybe just one!”;
The ‘East Versus West’ annual dinners 
Cooked by her gifted grandson.

What more do we know of her pleasures? 
Birdwatching; far-off holidays;
Trips to Pitlochry and family;
Crosswords; a well-turned phrase;
Walks in Botanical Gardens
On Edinburgh fine, sunny days;
Weekly hairdos; the Proms on TV;
And bright yellow rose-filled bouquets!

What can one say of her families?
So beloved, so loyal, and so dear:
The Horsburghs, Cochranes, and Fordes: 
some local, and some far from here. 
Such numerous family members –
She cherished all those in her sphere; 
Across umpteen generations
Spanning so many-a-year.

So what can we hold in our memories
Now that she’s left us alone?
We will miss her sharp wit and her candour, 
We will miss all our chats on the phone.
We will miss her warm hugs, and her laughter, 
And her voice – so distinctive in tone!
But we trust that she’s safely in heaven,
And God has welcomed her home.