Childs, Mary Helen (MacAlpine) - With great sorrow the family announce her passing on March 18, 2016 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Chatham in her 103rd year. Mary was born in Edmonton, Alberta, April 27, 1913, the daughter of the late William and Myrtle (Masters) MacAlpine. Predeceased by husband Cyril Bloom Childs (1984) and daughter Lorna Anita Childs (2014). Loving mother of Judith Elaine Tanner (Larry) of Sarnia. Loved grandmother of 3 grandchildren: Timothy (Rosemarie) Tanner, Thomas (Megan) Tanner and Rebecca (Jeff) Esch and 6 great grandchildren: Valerie (Adam), Jehna, Kyla, Ryan, Mariah and Emma. Dear sister of Evan, Ethel and Irene. Predeceased by brothers Malcolm, Archie and Murray and sisters Harriet, Myrtle and Barbara. Sadly missed by many nieces and nephews. Mary had many fond memories of growing up in a pioneer setting in Northern Alberta. The struggles, hardships, and joys of a life time going to normal school in London, marrying Cyril and farm life in Dawn Township, adopting two girls and raising them, working as an elementary school teacher in the one room system in different schools in Dawn Township, church life and all the friends and relationships at the Oakdale and Thamesville United Churches. Much thanks goes to the Eden Villa Retirement and Assisted Living Home in Chatham for their many years of kind and compassionate care. Also many thanks to the doctors, nurses, and care givers during mom's stay at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Chatham. A special thank you to Mac MacAlpine for many years of faithful love and care. Interment has taken place at the Mayhew-Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Thamesville. A memorial service will be held at the John C. Badder Funeral Home, 72 Victoria St., Thamesville on Saturday, April 2, 2016 at 11 a.m. with luncheon to follow at the Thamesville United Church.