In some there is born such a spark, such life that they seem to move any place and people they encounter. Helene Iris Lysy Barfuss moved on from this world sometime the morning of May 26th, but for those who knew her, that spark will stay alive.
Helene held her faith in Christ as her most prized possession, and strove to serve and care for her husband, children, her communities, and friends in every sphere in a Christlike manner.
She was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, November 16, 1940. She converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints when she was 17, and she was a faithful lifelong church member. Church membership led her to attend BYU, where she earned a BA in Education. She lived most of her life in the Northern Utah areas as well as Southern California, but was a lifelong Canadian citizen.
She was raised in the Ukrainian culture and community in Canada, and she spoke Ukrainian, participated in Ukrainian holidays and cultural traditions such as Ukrainian folk dances.
At BYU she met and married George Barfuss while participating in the folk dancing program. They danced through the vicissitudes of life together, having just this summer celebrated their 60th anniversary.
Helene was not a traditional mother, or person for that matter. She created great beauty and wealth in her life by following her own path, through hard work, and her ability to see and talk to people.
She loved fashion and design, and could find a deal like you wouldn’t believe. She created lovely spaces in her home and always showed up in style. She loved dance and travel. She was a mover and a shaker and she loved to laugh–had that lovely ability to laugh at herself without putting herself down. She kept her sense of humor to the end!
She was a devoted distributor and promoter of Sunrider products and the idea of regenerative health. She built a large group in the Sunrider business, many of which became her dear lifelong friends.
Many were touched and helped by her efforts in all areas, and she was a support and guide to those both in her family and out. She always had a larger sense of family, and always tried to help those in and on her path.
She couldn’t stand negativity, and she always believed things would turn out for the best, no matter how difficult a situation. Somehow, it seems like she was right.
Helene is survived by her husband George, children Natalia (Clark), Wiliam, John (Carol), Stevan (Gina), Marisa (Russell), Michael (Cassandra), and Donna as well as siblings Eugene, Michael, Mary, and Annie (Desi). She is also survived by 24 grandchildren and 5 great-grands.
She was preceded in death by her parents Michael and Susanna, sisters Iris, Natalia, and Kathy, and grandson Bastion.
Services will be held June 17th 2024 at 11am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints located at 285 N Matterhorn Dr in Alpine Utah. Veiwing will begin at 10am the same day.
