My deepest  condolences to Helens family and all the friends who loved her as I did I had the great good fortune to move in next door to her  when  we were both in our early twenties where we began a life long friendship Helen had such Spectacular style and intellect in every thing she did I will

Miss her so much and loved her dearly  💝 

I am so very sorry to hear of this great loss in our community.  My prayers for all her family.  Helen was a one of a kind grand lady with grace and great humor.  She will be missed.

Judy 

My name is Mary Agnes Onka, I am Helens first cousin.

My thoughts immediately go to her contagious laughter and beautiful personality matching her gorgeous stature. I of course loved her mother and watched Helen grow up, visits to and from Sugar Creek were always a celebration.

One memory that has me laughing outloud still to this day, was my visit to Florida and a stop in FLL after visiting my Aunt Annie in Tampa, Helen greeted us with her fabulous smile, lipstick perfectly on and so much joy.

We had a dinner at “ Bert and Jacks” a seafood house, we had a few cocktails and then these enormous Lobsters 🦞 were in front of us, we laughed so hard. We ordered so much food, one of everything and the best Lobsters available. I remember non stop laughter as a midwesterner trying to devour this plate of seafood, laughing until we were silly.

This dinner was beyond my wildest dreams. Helen had made our visit so special. I recall walking around her neighborhood and commenting on “ how many pairs of fabulous shoes do you own” Helen had wonderful style, reminded me of her beautiful mother.

Life goes by quickly, we must take time to remember, reflect and smile outloud at the good times we share. We didn’t visit again in Florida, although Helen came to Sugar Creek a time or two, We were facebook friends and I always enjoyed her posts. Growing old is not for the weak, I wish time permitted us to be face to face again. 

Hugs to all in Heaven Helen. You are with the best up there! Love Always.

Mary Agnes Onka 

I had the pleasure of living for 3 months in Ft. Lauderdale with my girlfriends working out of FLL and MIA And PBI. Helen had been to Sugar Creek Mo where I lived in my childhood, Helens mother grew up there and a mountain of cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents all resided and family reunions were very gregarious functions.

I loved hearing her stories and listening to her laugh with all the family. ( My mother is Helens first cousin) Once I had the opportunity to be in South Florida I of course rang Helen up! We had dinner dates, she showed me Ft. Lauderdale, I stay at her beautiful home and we laughed and called cousins and had slumber parties! I was so happy in Helens presence, she was older, wiser and full of joy. 

My first experience at seeing the Breakers hotel was with Helen. I remember fondly looking up her, taking it all in and then returning later for a visit bringing my mother to visit Helen, and boy was that a very fun visit! 

I was very young, early 20s and Helen was so kind to me and went out of her way to make my visits really memorable. It is amazing how we are shaped by special people in life, and Helen Cecilia was definitely a lovely women who guided in great fashion a young woman who was just beginning her travels and meeting family far and wide. Peace to you Helen💕