Helen Mark Knowles

Helen passed away on July 7th after a very brief stay in hospital. As she had asked, she was still living at home with her incredible care giver, Erma, who looked after her every need until the very end. Our family is so indebted to Erma for her love and commitment.

Words of condolence have flooded in from across Canada. To quote a very special friend of Helen’s: “She was a woman of great warmth, good humour and consummate graciousness. She had such a natural charm, the kind that radiates. Helen had the unique gift of making whomever she was speaking with feel special, that their conversation was important to her, that she truly cared about them. In this world of ours where everyone is so very busy and self-absorbed so much of the time, Helen was a woman of uncommon courtesy. She was a woman who was so very easy to love. Even for those of us who weren’t her family.”

From another dear friend…”Whenever I think of Helen, I see her smile! The tears just happen and the laughter comes as memories begin.”

To remember Helen we encourage you to give to the Sandra Schmirler Foundation that is dedicated to raising funds for babies born pre-mature or seriously ill. The Foundation is a living legacy to Sandra Schmirler, three time World curling Champion and the first gold medal winner for curling.

Since its inception, the Foundation has donated over $2.2 million to Hospital Foundations across the country.

To donate in memory of Helen, please visit the "Special Links" page on the left hand column, or visit: http://www.sandraschmirler.org/english/donations/

p.s. From a well know Canadian Champion curler…”Helen was Mom for all of us curlers for one week every year at the Scotties….and we loved it!”

A memorial service will be held a 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 30th at Highlands United Church in Edgemont Village in North Vancouver.