Do you know, or have you ever known, a person: - who never meets a stranger, who approaches strangers as if they are long lost friends; - whose entry into a room always lifts the mood and ignites the spirit, - who never seem to have a bad day, even as she negotiates and navigates through the tripwires of everyday life, - who, during the darkest days of your life, always finds a beam of light in the tunnel and stays by your side until you are safely on higher ground, - who would, if you asked her to come over tomorrow- prepare and bring homemade lasagna and a tray of clams casino , instead of picking up a last minute bottle of wine- for the two of you to sup on or, if you were lying in a hospital bed with your jaws wired shut- would arrive with a two day supply of homemade, sumptuous, nutritious smoothie laced with blackberry brandy to soothe your body, mind and soul, - one, who never fails to travel hither and yon to comfort, celebrate, cheer and/or console a crew of friends whom she has nurtured and sustained through a lifetime, - who has a story for every occasion and who tells them with a straight face while everyone else is laughing so hard they can barely breath, - who always insists on giving more than she is willing to receive and while giving, insists that you are doing her a favor, a solid rock whose love and support you can always count on ? If you do, like me - you are a very fortunate person. Ive known Helen Patricia Hayes since 1962 and she has been the best friend of my life. I cant imagine a world without her. I pray to find solace in knowing that she has been reunited with her parents, her husband Jack , and siblings Peter and Anne Marie in eternal peace. Helen I will keep you in my heart forever. Rose S. Strickland