Helen Mary Cain

Helen Cain went to be with the Lord on June 29th at the age of 101. Helen was born in Saskatchewan, Canada on November 21, 1915. She was the second of six children born to Max and Anna Kaniowsky. As a child, Helen moved to Florida. In her late teens, she married a widower with three children and had one son Carl. All have preceded her in death.

Helen moved to the west coast and joined the medical profession during World War II. She would continue working in the profession in medical offices until her retirement. She traveled the world and lived and worked in the Azores, Portugal for two years. In the early 1960’s, Helen moved to Portland, buying a home that she lovingly cared for to until two years ago. While working in a medical office at Lloyd Center, she met a patient named John Cain. Marrying him in 1965, she inherited a son, daughter-in-law, granddaughter and extended family.

John and Helen loved going to their home and cabin in Prineville. The family enjoyed many years hunting, fishing and boating there. After their retirements, John and Helen joined the Metro YMCA water aerobics class, travelled to the Holy Land and took a cross-country driving trip, visiting relatives along the way. They volunteered with various organizations and kept active with family activities. They were also members of Hinson Memorial Baptist Church.

Helen and John had a special relationship that was an inspiration to all who knew them. Even if one of them left the room for a moment, time was taken for a goodbye kiss, a relative dubbing them “kissy kissy” for their displays of affection. Their laughter, mutual respect and love for one another was evident throughout their 38 years of marriage.

Helen was also an inspiration as a mother and grandmother. Although she did not give birth to most who called her mother, she loved them with all her heart. She loved her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren unconditionally. Those lucky enough to call her “Mom” “Grandma” or “Aunt Helen” were blessed indeed.

Helen was a kind, thoughtful and wise woman. She was a woman of faith who demonstrated God’s love throughout her life, by not judging, but caring for others. She always took an interest in others and really listened when people talked to her. People of all ages aspired to be like her. Many have said, “When I grow up, I want to be Helen Cain”.

Helen is survived by her Portland family; Son and daughter-in-law: Jack & Mary Cain, Grandchildren: Angie & Phil Fogg, Bob Cain, Doug & Jill Cain, Great Grandchildren: Chris & Danielle Fogg, Drew & Aubrey Fogg, Zach & Alex Fogg, Jonathan Cain and Ellie Cain. Great-great grandchildren: Sloan Fogg and Hudson Fogg. She is also survived by grandchildren, nieces and nephews who reside in all areas of the country. She had a special bond with many of them who traveled to Portland for her 100 and 101 birthday celebrations.

Donations can be made in Helen’s honor to Gideon’s International and The Salvation Army.