I didn’ t know Helene very long- for only a few weeks as I was moving to Bitola and she was leaving- but there are wonderful reminders of her presence in the beautiful works of art she left behind in the apartment where she once lived and where I now live. They are graceful and extremely imaginative, from the gorgeous mobile made from wire, paper flowers, and a soda bottle that hangs in the staircase outside my front door to the intricate designs made from cardboard on the wall of my bedroom.
There are countless other reminders of her warm, unselfish nature throughout the apartment. I’ m still stumbling upon some new item I hadn’ t noticed before.
She was unassuming and truly kind, and I quickly came to appreciate her innate goodness. She was very proud of her son, who really does look like a movie star, as I once told her. The tales of her working all day long picking apples are further evidence of her down-to-earth qualities. And her landlord here in Bitola loved her dearly just like a member of her family
Helene personified everything that is good about the Peace Corps.
-Joe Martin, MAK 17
Ah, Helene! I hardly knew you, but luckily I did and just enough so as to appreciate your spirit which I will hold dear as long as I shall live.
-Lew Hemmer, MAK 16
Dear Helene, Thanks for providing laughter and good times. Your positive energy and sweet smile will be missed. Shall you rest in peace.
-Shannon P-J, MAK 16( Photo above)
We first met He MAK16s were v ebration. Helen la, sharing swe prepared for th though she had
She was always ing in any way s soft spoken spir
-Aaron and Lori
I met Helene New Year’ s 2011 in Bitola. We are about the same age so we connected.:) Peace Corps and I are very saddened with her passing and hope her family will find peace in her memory. This is a picture I took that New Year’ s in Bitola. She had a great laugh.
-Sarah Stone, MAK 16( Photo below)
Helene was a part of our MAK 15 Peace Corps family and to lose her is like losing family. She was someone you could not forget and was such a beautiful soul. I got to know Helene on a trip to Istanbul with two other PCVs in 2012. She and I were the“ slow movers,” constantly being distracted by all there was to see. Needless to say, we had a blast!
I am so grateful for the opportunity to have known such an amazing, beautiful, and insightful woman.
-Claire Vanessa Goodwin, MAK 15( Photos above & right)