Helena (Kiercul) Burke & Paul JacksonHelena (Kiercul) Burke’s Eulogy
Written and given by Paul S. Jackson
Someone asked if I’d have enough material to speak of Helena. Are you kidding? You could speak volumes about Helena.
The first time I met this larger than life person, Helena, she was taking up a collection for me, who had ended up in a hospital. That was something she did for so many people, caring, concerned and willing to lend a helping hand to any and all in need.
She was a funny lady. You knew that within 30 seconds in her presence, you’d be laughing. Didn’t care who she was in front of, if she had something to say, and she usually did, she’d say it, no matter how shocking. Helena spoke her mind and if you couldn’t handle it, “Tough”.
So many funny stories came out of the Marion Street C.O. (Central Office). The phone company actually thought if they put Helena in a cubicle with a desk and phone, that she’d do some work. First and second level supervisors are questioning her about her whereabouts. She’s telling them some wacked out story that they’re believing. Of course, we all knew she was at Irving’s Holy Bar & Grill for heavenly meditation. Helena often said of the phone company, “I gave them the best week of my life”.
Helena had a great forte for collecting money for any cause. Selling raffle tickets was her specialty. People lived in fear when they saw her heading their way with a roll of tickets in her hand. During the local union’s golf tournament which comes up next week, Helena would park herself in a cart at one of the holes and extract money from golfers by threatening them with a five iron if they didn’t by raffle tickets. She was like Robin Hood on the bridge.
At a Retirees Club meeting, I saw Helena heading for a table with about ten guys seated at it. They saw her, and almost in unison they took out their wallets, threw them on the table and said, “Here you are Helena, take what you need”. The church could certainly have used the help of someone like Helena, eh, Father Sebastian?
In my active years with Local 2222 as a Recording Secretary, I put together three or four times a year, parties and dances for our union members. If I didn’t have Helena at my right side and covering my back, those parties would never have gotten off the ground. She was my Gumba! When I would start to unravel under pressure and start snapping, Helena was always there to say to me, as she has said to so many others in her sweet angelic voice, “GET OVER IT”. With Helena you soon got over it.
A word comes to mind when I think of all the good times we had together, and all the times you had with Helena were good times. That word “Magical”; It was magic being around Helena. A magic we’ll never experience the likes of again.
So many times Helena would stop by my house on her way home from God only knows where and spend an hour chatting and laughing over stories she’s tell. Suddenly she’d check the time and say “I’ve got to get home for R & R.” Rest and Relaxation, I’d say? No, Ronny and Rosko. Rosko, being her dog that she adored. Then again I’m not sure; one of them slept at the foot of the bed.
To all Helena’s family and extended family, her cousins, nieces and nephews, Helena loved you guys so much. She spoke of you all so often, especially during holidays and the excitement of buying gifts for everyone. In her work place, she had pictures of all of you there. Treasure your memories of her as if gold.
It’s been less than a year since I lost my spouse. Ronny knows I feel his pain. It a sad and terrible time when one loses his or her parents, but nothing can prepare you for the loss of the best thing that’s ever happened to you, whether you’re together one year or fifty years. And until such time as it happens to you, you can’t imagine the hurt, the pain and the loss that you feel; mentally as well as physically.
Helena would ask that each of you here today who has a loving partner to make sure that every night before you go to sleep, you tell that person you love them. They can be called home to God that fast. Believe me, you’ll never regret it.
Indulge me a minute if you will. I’m going to ask that everyone here close their eyes. Your in the house of God, you’ll be OK. Everyone, please close your eyes and listen to my voice. Picturing Helena, think back to a time when you and Helena shared a moment together when something funny either happened or was said. Picture her breaking into a smile and then laughter. A laugh only Helena could conjure up. Now lock that memory into your mind’eye and every time you think of Helena, picture that memory.
From Helena to everyone, “Thanks for being my friend, God Bless”.
To Ron, “Good morning honey, how are you?”.