Helayne Rose Hauw

We are deeply saddened to announce the peaceful passing of Helayne; surrounded by the love of her family.

Helayne was the beloved wife and best friend of Tom Rowen for 47 years. She was the loving and fierce tiger mom of Dr. Rebecca Rowen (Danny Bennett) and Dr. David Rowen (Thom Urquhart). Helayne adored her grandson Brixton and eagerly awaited the arrival of yet-to-be named grandson #2. Also missing Helayne are her father, Jao Hauw, her sister Veronica Hauw (Chris Wong), her nieces Kenzia and Alex and mother-in-law Evelyn Kelly (Roger Brewer). Helayne was predeceased by her mother, Katherine Hauw.

Helayne worked for the Federal Government for 33 years; the lion’s share as a Labour Affairs Officer and then as Manager, Workplace Equity. She also put her skills as a Mediator to good use outside the office. In 2007, Helayne was awarded the Helen Pugliese Peace Award for her contributions as a community-based Mediator in Ajax.

When she left the Feds in 2012, Helayne didn’t slow down. She went back to school and became a Travel Agent; a profession that she truly enjoyed. Helayne was consumed by Travel. She loved booking trips for people, researching destinations and most importantly, travelling herself! (She made it to all 7 continents and over 50 countries). Helayne had a strong bond with everyone at Nexion Canada, the company that she aligned herself with from the outset. Helayne’s strong work ethic and positive outlook did not go unnoticed. In 2024, Helayne was awarded the Nexion Travel Group Ambassador Award, chosen from 7,000 Nexion travel agents across North America as the person who best exemplifies success, involvement and dedication to the values of the company.

The greatest gift that Helayne possessed was her ability to not just make friends, but to keep them. There are so many! The girls from SJMP, the people at Labour, St. Francis De Sales, Trinity, Nexion, the Cottage and the neighbourhood where we live. It is truly remarkable the number of lives she touched.

In September 2022, Helayne was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer; a diagnosis that would discourage the strongest of people. For over three long years Helayne fought a brave and valiant battle against a most insidious disease. In addition to the HeeHaw Tie Dye Team, assisting her in this fight was Dr. Raymond Jang, her Oncologist and his team lead by his RN Glenda. To them, we owe a debt of gratitude we can never repay.

In lieu of flowers or plants, we would request that donations be made to the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation.

Even though we cling to the idea that we all continue, the pain that we feel has no cure. We are heartbroken.