| Graduation Year | Class of 1984 |
| Date of Passing | Jan 16, 2021 |
| About | Photo is her Junior year at IKE ************** Helen passed away yesterday, January 16, after a difficult two and a half year battle with brain cancer. Helen was 54 years old. Helen and I were married in August 2017, but we knew each other for 15 years. Prior to returning to her career as a registered nurse in 2012, Helen was the school secretary of my daughters’ elementary school. She was born in Smithers, BC, in Canada to American parents - Marjorie Bennett Merrill and Jess Duke. She grew up in Yakima, Washington, and attended Dwight D. Eisenhower High School. Go Cadets! Not surprisingly, she starred on the Cadets cheer squad. After high school, Helen obtained her nursing degree from Seattle University. She moved to North Vancouver after university and in the 1990s welcomed her most precious gifts, her girls, Jessica and Chelsea. She lived for her girls. Helen is survived by Jessica and Chelsea (Alireza), her two step-daughters, Madeline and Elizabeth, and the apple of her eye, her grandson Luca (18 months old). As a friend and neighbour has written, Helen’s most admirable quality was her authenticity. “No matter what was happening or who was in her company, she was herself.” Her beautiful, bright and kind self. I will always love her and carry her in my heart, mind and soul. Rest In Peace, my beautiful bride. |
