As pilgrims we come on this earth, as winners we return. Having visited the Holy places of human hearts, accomplishing all that is planned, before the time began, our earthly journey ends.

“It’s your response to adversity, not adversity itself that determines how your life’s story will develop” Dieter F Uchtdorf.

Sr. Mary Helena was born on the 7th May 1939 at Nedumbal in Trichur Dt. Kerala. She was born as the second child of Kunjuvareed and Kunjamma of the family of Tharakan Perekadan. She was baptized at St. John’s Church, Parapuukkara with the name Mary.

Having done the initial stages of education, at the age of eighteen, she joined the Franciscan Servants of Mary as a postulant at Salem, made her First profession on the 24th March 1960 and perpetual profession on the 17th May 1965. She completed her Nursing at St. Martha’s Hospital in Bangalore, has served the congregation in different capacities; as hospital in-charge, animator and provincial councilor. She has rendered her services at Yercaud, Mathagondapalli, Elathagiri, Krishnagiri, Mathigiri, Christupalayam, Thalakottukara, Edamon, Vadanapailli and Shalom Nivas. She was a spiritual person with deep faith and firm conviction. Nothing could shake her so easily. She was a caring mother towards the orphan and the deprived, a counsellor for those in difficulty. She was a person who desired to empower women; for many she was a life giver, life nurturer and life promoter.

“When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that Oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure”. Peter Marshal.

So life wasn’t easy all through. But as Nepoleon Bonoparte says, “Courage isn’t the strength to go on, it is going on when you don’t have the strength”. She faced difficulties bravely and showed that life is to be faced with, not looking back. She possessed a strong personality standing for truth and justice and had a good rapport with people and maintained cordial relationship with all. By nature, she was calm, composed and self-disciplined. She endured her suffering with patience that was very much visible on her face till the end and was fully conscious until the last breath. Having prepared herself, on 25th September at 6.35 am, she welcomed sister death peacefully, surrounded by the sisters and family members, and that serene soul completed the victorious journey of life and returned to her master.

We remain ever grateful to our dear Sr. Reetha Paul, Superior General, who was one with us through her prayers and words of consolation. Dear Sr. Angela, our provincial, your presence strengthened us. You were with us and part of us as a leader and supporter as we bid good bye to our dear Sr. Helena. Thank you sister, for your empowering presence and concern.

Death is not an end in itself, but a passage, through which we journey to our eternal home. The light is put off because the dawn has already come.

Dear Sr. Helena, you lived your life meaningfully, wrote for us the path which we are to take, through your life, we could rely on you, look up to you, share with you as a mother and a sister. You were so discrete and were of a grateful heart for any services done to you. You sealed our hearts with love and care. Today we miss you physically, here on earth, but you are one of the luckiest among the chosen ones of your beloved spouse. Your sleeping face, but bright and graceful, spoke to us of your comfort in the bosom of the father. Intercede for us till we meet in eternity, having completed the task entrusted to each one of us.

Your Loving Sisters,

Shalom Nivas,

Carmelaram