Helen….was authentic.

 Impossible to completely define, describe - or box up into any of the standard verbal, emotional, or intellectual containers of the broadest spectrum of our precious English language, which Helen clearly held so dear.

One of the reasons she was such a formidable soul and player not only in competitions , but at the universal game of life, was her ability to focus and remain on track, until whatever she was there to accomplish…was completed …with her own honesty and grace. 

And beauty of soul…

Was there anyone …ever…like her? No…and there never will be.

Hysterically funny, gut- wrenchingly tragic, always too noble and above her challenges to have given up or given in…she was indomitable - and in reality, it seemed improbable that she had actually left us. It still does not seem real…

A great example of what a  remarkable human can be…and she probably never knew how wonderful, how irreplaceable …she truly is.

But she will forever live on - in love…in the lives and spirits of those who had the privilege to be with her…even at a distance…

For my sister, Helen, I will always treasure you…and weep because we were so lucky to have shared this lifetime, even for a little while.

Valarie

My name is Kelly-Anne . I  am a friend of Cora’s .Cora and I met three years  ago online  as our kids met in a virtual class and we have been friends ever since . I specifically remember earlier in our friendship when Cora began to tell me all about growing up and all about this incredible woman she still called  ‘“Mommy “ I remember thinking at the time that this woman was someone that I would love to one day meet . From all of Cora’s stories I felt like I was fortunate enough to get a glimpse  into the life of someone so fascinating . Helen seemed to have  lived her  life to the fullest . She spoke her truth and lived life with conviction . She didn’t hide in the background but lived  with  intention  and authenticity. She did whatever was necessary so that her children had a great childhood . She was a smart , tough cookie  on the outside when she needed to be but people close to her would know and love her for her kind heart , helpful nature , great advice giving , cat loving and fun to be around kind of gal that she was . As I previously mentioned  I never got to meet Helen but I feel like I was lucky enough to find all those great qualities in her daughter Cora . I owe a big thank you to  Helen because she was an inspiration . She was the woman that kept fighting when the going got tough , the woman that even on her darkest day still believed that the sun would shine  , the woman that continued to show  up each day for everyone she cared for deeply . That to me is a unique , fascinating  woman . 

To Helen :

 I may have never got to meet you but  as  the saying goes the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree . Your light shines bright within my friend Cora and your granddaughter Zoe and for that I am forever grateful to you . May you rest in peace and your soul be content ❤️