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 )