It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that the family of Helen Ann McCaffrey announce her passing on May 8,2025 at Upper River Valley Hospital, Waterville, NB.

She was born at home, October 23, 1946 to the late Mozart and Orsie (Williams) Ivey at the Sanford Hawkes homeplace in Maxwell, NB.

She will be greatly missed by her two daughters Beverly(Kenneth)Crouse of Alberta and Lori Graham of McKenzie Corner, NB.

She is survived by her grandchildren Beth George of Edmonton, AB, Christopher Miller of Rocky Mountain House, AB and Meghan MacLean of Fredericton, NB.

Her great grandchildren Austin(Jessie Fauvelle)Harnish of New Maryland, NB., Tyrone George, Jarmel George, Jeremiah George and Isaiah George of Edmonton, AB

Her great great grandchildren Aurora Harnish and Damon Harnish of New Maryland, NB.

She is also survived by her sisters and brothers, Shirley Watson, Russel Ivey, Blair Ivey (late Mary), Glenwood Ivey (Laurel), Richard Ivey (Margie), Dwayne Ivey (Rayma Dyer), Bonnie MacElwain (Dale), Linda Weeks (late Ronnie), Theresa Thibodeau (Joe). Her very special friend James Galloway and his family  held a special place in Helen's heart and whom she loved dearly. Many nieces, nephews ,cousins and countless friends.

Her step children Linda (Daniel)Burke, Rosemary McCaffrey, Monica McCaffrey, Heather Denny, Michael McCaffrey and step daughter in law Kim McCaffrey.

She is pre-deceased by her mother Orsie, father Mozart, brothers Winston and Lewis, sister-in-law Mary, first husband Lee Graham, second husband Gerald McCaffrey and step son Larry McCaffrey.

At the age of 12 her brother Winston taught her how to play the guitar. Later she started playing in the Maxwell Pentecostal church. Music was always an important part of her upbringing. The family's musical heritage is deeply rooted in country, gospel and bluegrass.

Helen entertained with her Bluegrass Band at many variety shows, concerts, festivals and jamborees. To name a few; Virgin Hill Bluegrass Festival, Rogersville Bluegrass Festival, Shepody Bay Bluegrass and Fredericton Bluegrass where Aubrey Hanson was very much a huge part of the organization.

Helen's dance band Carleton Country was a favourite of the Knights of Columbus in Woodstock, NB., where she played weekly for 13 plus years. She also played at the Legions in Woodstock and Florenceville, NB.

She was honoured to be asked by Ned Landry to play rhythm guitar which included playing "The Orange Blossom Special" which was a tune loved by many.

Helen was a regular on Cable 10 TV with a group called Old Time Country which included Donnie Cluff.

She had a group called Pic's and Strings that played every Saturday night in Stickney. Helen entertained at Riverside Court and Carleton Manor in Woodstock as well as the Nursing Home in Hartland NB.

She was a member of Carleton County Fiddlers where she also served as president for 25 plus years.

She has shared the stage with numerous Hall of Famers to name a few, Donnie Cluff, Shirley Haines, Jack McAfee, Ivan and Vivian Hicks, Tammy and Gary Morris, Bill Canam as well as many performers with her sister Bonnie MacElwain

Special thanks to the Oncology Department at Upper River Valley Hospital and all the doctors , nurses and staff that helped over the years.

If so desired donations can be made to the River Valley Cancer Support Group or to a charity of the Donors choice.

Visitation will be held on Thursday May 15th  5 to 8 PM from Carleton Funeral Home , 337 Lockhart Mill Road, Jacksonville NB.

Funeral Service will be held Friday morning May 16th  at 11Am from the Carleton Funeral Home Chapel with interment at Calvary Cemetery.