HELENE MARKS (OKO)

Condolences & Memories (6 entries)

• Here is a general copy of my ulogy: Thank you for your support & Thanks to Springs Church for all your support and hard work. I probably won’t do mom justice, but I don’t need to because you all knew her. My MOM was a great role model, but we didn’t think so as kids.... When we were in trouble: Mom would threaten to spank us with the Wooden Spoon... My brother was smart, though, he broke them. Mom kept buying new ones and Randall kept breaking them. I guess she got tired of buying new ones because things changed to: “Wait til your FATHER gets home” I don’t know if this did anything to my brother, but it always scared me. Mom was smart – Dad never did anything about the problem when he got home. I’ve always had to share my mom – and didn’t like it as a kid. ie) Girl Guides Sleigh Ride: everyone ran to her for comfort... “Leave her alone, she’s MY mom!” But, she was a MOM to everyone. It used to be an INSULT to tell me “You’re just like your mother!” I’m not sure when, but it eventually became compliment. I just grew up. She didn’t change, I did. Mom taught me: The value of Relationships, Compassion & Caring for others. Also, never giving up and working hard. What she didn’t teach me: was her love of shopping, which she definitely had. When she stared having trouble walking, she still wanted to shop. So, we went to Walmart, and mom tried driving the Electric Scooter. I don’t remember any time in my life when I’ve laughed harder. She bumped into every corner and eventually knocked over a whole display. We both had a great time. This was about 9 years ago. After her stroke last week, her friend Sarah came to visit. As mom’s bed was too low, I tried to adjust it. Of course the bed didn’t do what I was trying to make it do. I quietly said to mom, “It’s like Walmart all over again.” She burst out laughing even though she couldn’t talk. Mom never lost her spirit – no matter what she had to face. I take this example with me where ever I go. I brought a picture of Hayley and Pierce to put up in front of her hospital bed. It brought her great joy. She kept adjusting her glasses so she could see them. A smile came with it every time. Poem: This wasn’t written by my mom, but I think it expresses her view to life. Hayley read the poem: I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge— That myth is more potent than history. I believe that dreams are more powerful than facts— That hope always triumphs over experience – That laughter is the only cure for grief. And I believe that love is stronger than death. Please share your Helene stories today and don’t ever forget to laugh and love. - Posted by: Joanne Marks (Daughter) on: Apr 26, 2013

• I have such fond memories of times spent with Aunty Helene. She was so much fun to be with and always had a way of making us laugh. She was very special to our family and will be deeply missed. - Posted by: Brenda Howe (Neice) on: Apr 09, 2013

• My thoughts are with Howard and family - Posted by: Barb mclennan (Worked with howard) on: Apr 05, 2013

• I was saddened to hear about Helen She will be missed by everyone who knew her My deepest sympathy to the family God bless - Posted by: Joan Oko (Sister In Law) on: Apr 04, 2013

• Helene will be remembered for her friendly and caring personality. Our sympathy to the Marks family - Posted by: Carl & Mary Starodub (Friends) on: Apr 04, 2013

• With Deepest Condolences to the family. - Posted by: Kelly & John Schwartz (friends of family) on: Apr 03, 2013