Your light will always shine bright in my heart and through the way I navigate life.

forever in my memory.

Helen was a very respected member of the Needlework Tool Collector Society of Australia . In the early days of the Society Helen was the glue that held the NSW group together and she always completely committed herself to the task. Being the remarkable woman that she was her efforts with the NWTCS were no different to the 100 percent that she put into the many groups that she was involved with over the many years.

I have tried to adopt some of Helen's positive attitude into my life and I am sure many others have been influenced by this very special lady.

Once upon a time and several times within my life I have been passed the treasured stories by the strong women within my family. Luckly I had been blessed with these beautiful women who have nurtured me whilst on my lifes journey.

Words they shared with me that often included my milestones and the contibutions these amazing women made to support my wellbeing.
Aunty Helen, you were one of these three women and I eternally thank you for the shelter, love and wisdom you afforded me.

You supported my mother in a fairytale way so that she could keep her mother's glory. This was me, little Kim. I now share my fairytale with my children and impart wisdom how you unto me did. You afforded me your knowledge and love in ways that were never forced as you always made space for the words to seed themselves and for me to take forth with into the big wide world.

Aunty Helen, I have always loved you even from afar and to have your four brilliant and caring boys gifted to me, I will stay by their side. My fairytale continues and with gratitude I celebrate your wonderful life.

You are where you must be now with your love and youngest by your side. We all have you right here in our hearts and through all your craft, babies and thimbles to continue the storytelling that we all so love.

From Jilly Archer:


Morning dear Mark,

I hope you are weathering this time ok, there is always so much to be done along with the highs and lows of grief. Jim is in Sydney and will be with you tomorrow which is good.

Dick Geeves has been tricky to contact, he’s such a social butterfly, but yesterday evening I finally found him at home asleep in his chair. And of course one does not just drop in and say ‘Hi Dick, Helen Burgin died last week’. You begin with Dick saying, ‘Who are you?’ and soon he’s with you as bright as a button and two hours later you’ve had a wee dram and we’ve been round and round the Mulberry bush with Helen and George of course.

Dick would like me to send his love and say he’s glad Helen is in a happy place.

My love to you, James and Ken and all the very best for the memorial tomorrow.

Jilly

From David Smethurst:

Dear Mark,

I am travelling overseas, and have just received an email from Lindsay with the wonderful pictoral account of your Mother, Helen’s amazing life. I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. That is sad news, and I pray that God’s peace will help you through the times ahead. Please accept my sincere condolences and deepest sympathy.

I attach a little poem about Helen’s journey, which I trust will be a blessing and encouragement to you.

You know God is with you at this time, in this “Valley of the shadow of death”. I’m sure you know Psalm 23, which says, “Yea though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death” - it's not the “Valley of death” but the “Valley of the Shadow….of death”. Shadows can’t hurt you – the shadow of a dog can’t bite you; the shadow of a knife can’t stab you; the shadow of a gun can’t kill you. And for there to be shadows there has to be a bright light nearby – and there is: Jesus, the Light of the World – the Brightest Light in the Universe, is with you ALWAYS, and especially at this time.

God strengthen you and Maura through the times ahead.

Blessings,

David Smethurst

Dear Helen
when I was in Austria ( #notAustralia) I bought you a thimble with the double headed Austrian royal eagle on it - just to add another piece to your collection, right? It was a spontaneous gesture and meant to be sent down under across the ocean, - so much for using mail -, I wanted James to give it to you, just as a spontaneous hello and silly moment of joy.

Today I looked into the meaning of the emblem - or better said a whole variety of meanings. The one I liked best was : "Sacred Elevation" - it rang true.

You remain an inspiration and well loved woman to so many. Your presence touched my life as well although only indirectly. I admired you for bringing up a whole gang of boys!

We met only once, but I heard many wonderful stories about you from James - and - you were always present in his life when he lived here in America...you have answered the last call, may wings carry you home gently...it is a sacred elevation indeed.

Such a wonderful woman, blessed with her four special boys. My love to you all.

From Chloe Rose Ok (via Facebook):
My deepest condolences to you all
She looked like an absolute spark of life
She lives on in you boys ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

From Jane Durbin (via Facebook):
Ken, James, Mark and families, I was so very sad to read this. Helen was such a strong inspirational woman.
I have wonderful happy memories of my youth with your mum and the family.
My condolences to you all at this sad time in your lives. Thinking of you all. Xxx

From Stef Burns (via Facebook):
I am very sorry for your loss. I found out this morning my mum passed last night too. I had no relationship with her as you all did with your mum. I remember her fondly.
I am glad you have each other today, love to you all, Stef

From Jeffrey Lock (via Facebook):
Dear Ken, so sorry to hear your news. I am thinking of you and Paul and your brothers at this very sad time. Thank you for posting those wonderful pictures. Helen, I remember as a courageous and very loving person. I have very happy memories of her, especially in the 'OYL' days.
I send you my love and support. XX

From Sondang Sitorus (via Facebook):
RIP

From Scott Drinkwater (via Facebook):
Ken so sorry to learn of your loss
I met your mother what a lovely lady
> Ken Burgin - Thanks Scott - she always liked to say she ‘knew the chef’ and had so many happy social gatherings and meals at Dee Why RSL. It was a great place for our family to get together on so many occasions.

From Mark Trevorrow (via Facebook):
A wonderful mum, a wonderful life X

From Michelle Trevorrow (via Facebook):
Such beautiful memories of a truly beautiful and gentle lady.
She was so proud of all her boys and it was wonderful that she was surrounded by them all for her last moments.

From Anne-Maree Bull (via Facebook):
Beautiful photos Ken, Helen to a tee. Wonderful memories of Christmas day spent together. All our love to you and your brothers at this sad time.
Anne-Maree and Richard.

From Matthew Bull (via Facebook):
Condolences to you and the family Ken x
It was always a pleasure to be in the company of her, Betty will be there with her having a good chat xx

From Noela Taylor (via Facebook):
Such sad news Ken, but what a long, full life she has had and how fortunate You "Boys" were to be surrounded by her love for all those years.
You had taken such good care of her and will miss her so much.
My family and I send you our love and condolences.

From Jaime Danforth (via Facebook):
You are wonderful sons to a beautiful woman. I can tell she is an amazing spirit too. So sorry for your loss ❤️

From Diane Lamberson Zoller (via Facebook):
May your dear mum be in peace. Love to the family.❤️

From Kate Roberts (via Facebook):
She was a terrific Auntie to Tim and I.
We loved her enthusiasm in everything she did. ❤️❤️❤️

From Venessa McEvoy (via Facebook):
Oh, Ken, I am so sorry to hear of your loss, I loved the way you always spoke of your mum with such love and admiration.
My thoughts are with you and your family xxx

From Karynne Courts (via Facebook):
Thinking of you Ken. Sending warmest thoughts and deepest sympathy

From Septon Sitorus (via Facebook):
It’s very sad news... Please accept my condolences.

From Ishi (via Facebook):
Our very deepest condolences.
Thinking of you all and sending your mom and the family special prayers

From Roma Gaster (via Facebook):
Ken, James, Mark and partners ... I am so sad to hear of your darling mother’s passing. May precious memories of Helen and her indomitable spirit guide you through the journey ahead.
Big hugs and love to you all xx

From Jane Markey (via Facebook):
Darling, sweet, gentle Helen. So many interests and loves in her life. I am so lucky to have known her and been a tiny part of her circle. She will be greatly missed by the Markeys.

From Pauline Abel (via Facebook):
Sending love to you Ken, James, Mark and your partners and family, at the passing of Helen. A gentle soul and indomitable spirit to have raised you four through your teenage years into adulthood.
Sending love, light and prayers to you all ❤️

From Kirsten Wenborne (via Facebook):
Sending so much love to you and your brothers James. I loved hearing about your sweet mum during our working time together. Big love xo

From Valerie Khoo (via Facebook):
Sending you Ken and James and your family much love.

From Michael Patrick Byrne (via Facebook):
Dear Ken James and Mark and NEVER forgetting Laurence
What an amazing woman she was !!!!!! Always supportive in all you four boys did. Loving and caring mother to the end and what an example and role model Helen was in bringing her 4 wonderful sons up to be the most successful superb group of men with a great set of values that has made Helen the proudest mother ever !!!!! She set the standards high with up most Integrity. I am very sad to hear this news but am so proud for a wonderful celebration of Helen’s life over 93 years. Much love eternally for Helen
And needless to say, much love to you, Ken James Mark and FOREVER Laurence
Xx Xx

From Brad Whittaker (via Facebook):
Our condolences to you and your family, I have only known your Mum on Facebook but certainly felt the love you had.

From Katherine Kronish (via Facebook):
Thinking of you Ken, Paul and all of your beautiful brothers. I know I'm not the first and certainly won't be the last to say this, but your mum was one of the strongest, sweetest and kindest people I have ever met. Her legacy remains in the amazing family she raised. Love you all. ❤️❤️❤️

From Debbie Freeman (via Facebook):
James my heart is heavy for you and your family’s loss. I am glad that your Mum was surrounded by love as she went on her journey. Sending love and hugs to you.

From Liana Di Stefano (via Facebook):
So sorry to hear of the loss of your dear Mum. I’ve appreciated seeing the love that you all shared for your mum and each other.
You gentlemen are a credit to her.
May she rest in peace knowing she was well-loved ❤️❤️❤️

Meanwhile, on the other side....

Dad and Laurence have come in from the garage where they have been tinkering and swapping stories.
The fire is crackling and the kettle is on as they wait for Helen to arrive.
Mike and Mandrake sit quietly by the hearth.

The kettle whistles, breaking the still air as the sweet scent of gum leaves drifts through the screen door.
Ros, Graham, Betty and George dropped around yesterday for a chat and look forward to catching up on the news from the family.

We hope you brought your knitting - there are a few socks to be darned and there is always need for a new rug, so sit over here and fill us in on what you have been up to.
We’ve missed you, but have been keeping an eye on events and are glad you have come to join us.

Would you like a biscuit with your tea?

From Susie Balmer (via Facebook):
So sorry to hear this sad news of your beloved and wonderful Mum. What beautiful memories you all have of a very special woman who will always be in your hearts. Blessing Helen on the next step in your souls journey. Much love to all who knew her esp her sons