Helen Markin was born in the community of Krestova on January the 4, 1927 to the family of Louie and Tina Verigin. She was the second oldest of 4 children-Mike, Helen, Tina and Elsie. In 1946, Helen met her future husband, partner and best friend Fred Markin. They were married for 58 years and were blessed with 3 children – Frances, Leonard and Fred Jr.
Helen was a very hospitable person and always welcomed neighbors, friends, relatives and especially family members to her home. In their leisure time, Helen and Fred travelled to parts in Canada and the U.S.; however, the trip to Russia in the early 1980’s fulfilled their lifetime dream of going back to their ancestral home and visiting with their surviving relatives.
Helen’s heart’s desire was that all children, grandchildren and great grandchildren work for the cause of peace and love on this earth and follow the path of a true Christian.
Helen was predeceased by her husband Fred, her parents, one brother and one sister. She is survived by her children, Frances and Mike Kanigan, Leonard and Karen Markin, Fred and Shirley Markin, 7 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, one sister Elsie Makasoff and many nieces and nephews.
Helen’s health started to decline and she moved into Castle View care facility in June, 2015, where she was given excellent care from all the staff.
January 8th, 21 members of Helen’s immediate family gathered at Castle View, to share a milestone, her 90th birthday. She was very excited and happy and commented on “ what a beautiful blessed family I have!” Shortly after, Helen’s health began to deteriorate and after a brief illness, she passed away March the 3rd, 2017, at the age of 90. We will always love her and she will be always remembered and missed by all her family and friends.
May God accept her soul into His Heavenly Kingdom and may she now rest in peace.
Funeral services were held March the 8th, 2017 at the Brilliant Cultural Centre.
Our special thanks to all Helen’s friends and relatives who took the time to visit her and call her. To the interior health home care workers that looked after mom while she was at home. The family would also like to express our deepest gratitude to Dr. Lesperance, Dr. Vasil and the wonderful staff of Castle View care facility for all their great care of Mom.
Thank you to all our kind members of our USCC community, all the psalm singers and the Brilliant cooking group for the preparation of the delicious funeral meal. Thank you to all who brought baking and to the young ladies who volunteered to serve at the meal. To JJ Verigin, Laura and the family for all your loving words. Mike Kanigan for the officiating, and to all that spoke kindly about our mother at the funeral. Thank you to the Harry Zibin and daughter Mia for the casket, the Grand Forks funeral home and the Brilliant grave diggers for all your help. Thank you for our relatives that came from out of town and all our friends, relatives and neighbors who supported us and attended the funeral.
We will never forget your kindness and God bless you all.
Donations in memory of Helen can be made to Iskra, John Verigin memorial fund or your charity of choice.