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Join MemoriesJoin Memories to request access to contribute your cherished photos, videos, and stories to Helen's memorial with others who loved them.
Join MemoriesA light has gone out, but a star is born
Gone but will never be forgotten. I’ve known Helen for 50 years . She and I had many late nights over a drink or 2 when Chris (and my daughter) Keiran were growing up together. Jobi introduced me to Helen when they came down from Queensland about 50yrs ago . We all had many Christmas’s & Grand Final Day together, we all got on so well . Helen was very social person & I will miss her so much. R.I.P. My Friend , Love Always.
I met Helen and Julie while working at the Department of Human Services. Julie was, at one point, my supervisor and has always been a mentor to me, and Helen was a valued colleague for many years. Helen was easy to get along with and easy to know. She was genuinely interested in other people, listened attentively, and had a keen, enquiring mind. She valued friendship and always wanted to do her best and to be the best version of herself she could be. Helen was open-minded and enjoyed a good joke and a shared reminiscence, yet she was always fair-minded and respectful of others. We both loved travel and spent many hours talking about our respective journeys, experiences, and what we learned along the way. I will miss Helen as a friend, as so many others will. I wish I had longer to yarn with her, but I am truly grateful for the time we shared and for the gifts she so generously gave of herself. We do not lose those we love; they walk beside us in memory and in spirit.
I was in the middle of writing a tribute when my text disappeared off the screen and so I am writing another one. I got to know Helen when I was working for the intake unit at DHS Dandenong and we got along very well. Helen was a very warm, compassionate and easy-going person with a great sense of humour. Helen relocated to Cheltenham before she and Julie decided to buy a beef cattle farm in Gippsland and experience a more rural lifestyle. Julie relocated to the Morwell Office and Helen to the Leongatha Office. We were invited to the farm for lunch on several occasions and I enjoyed Helen's cooking. Helen was a very talented cook. Helen and Julie ran the farm for several years while they held down demanding jobs and I was most impressed. I have a lovely photo of Helen sitting in the orchard and one of the magnificent rose garden in full bloom that I will post as soon as I get access to my desk-top computer at home. When Julie decided to retire, they sold the farm and relocated to a lovely home in Port Arlington. Helen took a job working for DHS in Geelong. During this time - Helen and Julie went on many cruises. We kept in touch and met up for lunches when we were staying in Ocean Grove. The last time I saw Helen we had lunch at Curlewis Golf Club and we had a great day full of fun and laughter. I was looking forward to catching up with Helen and Julie again when I received the sad news about Helen. The last time I spoke to Helen we talked about her most recent cruise to arctic regions. Helen will be sadly missed.
Helen was, and will always be, Aunty Helen to me. She was an exceptional and extraordinary aunty, and I count myself incredibly lucky to have been part of her life. I can honestly say her presence in mine made it so much better. I was fortunate to spend a wonderful amount of time with Aunty Helen, Aunty Job, and my cousins throughout my childhood—school holidays with Aunty Helen, weekends away to the snow the city and country towns, day outs to the city, and even interstate trips. Aunty Helen’s love and nurturing were limitless. Her patience and encouragement allowed me and my cousins to develop curiosity and creativity. I am eternally grateful to you, Aunty Helen, and I love you dearly. Your love and support have shaped me into the partner and father I am today. I have no doubt this world would be a greater place if everyone had even the tiniest dash of your greatness. I will love Aunty Helen forever and always. Sending all my love to you, Chris, Robbie, and Aunty Job. XX
Helen was my first great love. She challenged me to express that love in the deepest possible way, which led me down paths I never imagined growing up. I am forever grateful. She can be proud to have left her part of the world a better place! Rest in peace, Helen.