Former Petrolia councilor and long-time community advocate Helen Havlik died on Feb. 28. She was 92.
The Town of Petrolia lowered their flag to half-mast in her honour.
Originally from Amherstburg, Havlik spent much of her career in the healthcare sector, first training to be a nurse at Hotel Dieu Hospital in Windsor before working many years at the Charlotte Eleanor Engleheart Hospital. She eventually retired as the hospital’s director of nursing.
Following her retirement, Havlik volunteered with Lambton County Developmental Services, Trillium Health Partners and also served as president of the Sarnia-Lambton Health Coalition for a number of years. Havlik served two terms as a Petrolia councilor – from 2006 to 2014.
Town of Petrolia Clerk Mandi Pearson said Havlik was dedicated to making her community a better place.
“I got a chance to work with her quite a bit,” she said. “She was older during her term on council, but she kept up to date, she was always engaged with the residents of Petrolia.
“She really resonated with local residents too,” Pearson added. “She was very enjoyable, very personable but she was also very passionate about all the things related to her role as a councilor. She didn’t just take up a seat – she was very active in her duties.”
Havlik was a strong advocate for the town as well as the hospital, and always found time to listen to the concerns of residents.
“Her professional past – as a nurse – it certainly came through during her days on council. She had a great sense of community, a great sense of pride for this town. She worked for anybody who had concerns – people could really bring anything to her,” Pearson said. “She was a feisty, feisty lady.”