Helena Burke
(née Forde)

Dear David, Ciara, Cillian and Dearbhla

I am so sorry about the loss of our dear friend Helena. It has taken me a bit of time to write this message as honestly I can't believe she has left us. I have been so lucky to meet Helena as part Hibernia teaching college. We really went on a journey during that course and got to know each other so well. But we genuinely have the fondest of memories of funny course days, online calls and our famous trip to Dingle. Helena was central to all of that, supportive to us and so much more as she was the best of us all. We kept in touch over the years following and I loved hearing all the proud stories of her beautiful children and times with you David. She loved her family dearly and as her friend she was a wonderful role model to me as I faced my own breast cancer battle. She was taken from us too soon and I look at the sunny days now and think of her often. Her positive warm personality will stay with us. You will all miss her so dearly now and I send you the deepest of sympathies and prayers at this time. Please keep in touch as we will always have Helena in our hearts. Lots of Love Vanessa

Dearest Ellen, Susan, Gary, Robert and to David and Helena's children, we send our deepest condolences over the waters from Canada for the loss of Helena, you dear daughter, sister, spouse, and mamaí. It's decades since I last saw her (my fault entirely), but I hold very fond memories of her during our childhoods when we did visit Ireland, as we were very close in age. I think of her laughing with her lovely Da now, my Uncle Christy, the two of them together. In the photograph of her shared here, she looks like she didn't change one bit since I last saw her. My memory of her as a kid and a young woman was someone so brilliant, learning Gaelige out the West in the Gaeltacht; she was hilarious, so quick with the wit like Christy and so kind, so lovely inside and out. I deeply regret I didn't keep in better touch, but all these qualities - this is how I shall always remember her. Our hearts (mine and my kid's) with all of yours right now. All our love and heartfelt condolences, Nancy and Lochlann (Forde)

My deepest sympathies to David, Ciara, Cillian, Derbhla, and Helena’s family. She spoke so warmly, proudly, and affectionately about you all during our time together in Scoil Mochua. Such a proud mother and wife. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam.

To David, Ciara, Cillian, Derbhla and all of Helena’s family , I'm so sorry that your wonderful, loving, vivacious, kind and caring wife, mother, daughter, sister and amazing human being has passed .
In our group of Hibernia friends we all loved her very much. Helena was an inspiration to us all and was totally dedicated to her family and to her teaching profession and life in general. On a personal level, I will really miss Helena as a great friend. Her wit and laughter and down to earth, no nonsense advice was so characteristic of her and I will never forget that great laugh of hers. I’m not the first one to say that as you know, she was so, so proud of you all and full of love for you and I know she’d want you all to live your lives to the full, just as she did. She was one of life’s special people - of that there is no doubt. May she rest in peace xx
Kirstin

Dear David,
I am very sorry for your loss. Sending my sympathies to you and your family. May Helena rest in peace.

So sorry for your loss David and family. May Helena rest in peace.

Sincere condolences to Ellen and family on the passing of your daughter Helena. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this very sad time. Carol, Ryan and Matthew.

My heartfelt sympathy David and to your children and wider family circle on Helena passing

David, I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your wife Helena, my deepest condolences to you and your family, I'm thinking of you all. May she rest in peace.

My sincere and heartfelt condolences to David, Ciara, Cillian and Dearbhla on the passing of Helena. I met Helena in teacher training college and a more dedicated, hardworking and inspirational teacher I have never met. She was the best of us without any doubt. A wonderful, supportive and kind friend to all of us over the years but most of all a proud and loving wife and mother. Helena’s eyes lit up every time she spoke of her family and shared photos of many milestones and accomplishments over the years. She will be loved, missed and remembered always.

David, I am so sorry to hear of Helena's passing. My deepest sympathies to you, Ciara, Cillian and Dearbhla at this sad time. May Helena's gentle soul rest in peace

Sincere sympathy David & family on the very sad passing of Helena. May she rest in peace

David, I was so sorry to hear that your dear wife Helena passed away. My sincere condolences to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad and difficult time. May Helena rest in peace.

David, so sorry to hear of Helena’s passing. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. May she rest in peace

My thought and prayer is with the family of David Burke on the demise of wife and mother. I pray to the creator to grant the family fortitude to bear the loss.

So sorry to hear of the passing of Helena - my deepest sympathies to David and family. May she rest in peace.

Sincere condolences to you David and your family on the sad passing of Helena. Thinking of you at this difficult time.

Dearbhla, I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers to you and all your family. May she rest in peace.

Dear David, Ciara, Cillian and Dearbhla,
I send you my deepest condolences on the passing of such a shining light as Helena. I have worked with Helena for many years in Scoil Mochua and over the years we have shared many wonderful memories. She was a most inspirational lady and I have learned so much from her both as a teacher and as a friend. I am grateful for having known her and her big heart wanted nothing but the best for the children in her care and for her colleagues and friends. She adored her family and loved to share all your wonderful achievements and how you were all doing. She has gone far too soon but what a life she lived and what love she gave. Sending you love and strength .

Our sincere sympathy to David and family, and the Burke and Forde families on the sad passing of Helena. May she rest in eternal peace.

My deepest sympathies to David and family during this difficult time. May Helena rest in peace.

Deepest sympathies to David, Ciara, Cillian, Dearbhla and the extended Burke and Forde families at this incredibly sad time.
Helena's kindness and enthusiasm for learning will have a lasting impact on Róisín in particular. She'll be greatly missed.
May her soul rest in peace.

Helena was a fantastic person who will be missed by so many. My deepest sympathies are with your family

David, my deepest sympathies to you and your family at this difficult time. May Helena rest in peace.

Suaimhneas síoraí go raibh ag Helena. Ar dheis Dé atá sí. Comhbhrón ó chroí uainne do David, do Chiara, do Chillian, do Dhearbhla, do mhuintir uile Helena agus David, in bhur mbris agus in bhur n-uaigneas.

Condolences to David and family on the sad loss of Helena

So very sorry to hear the sad news of your sister's passing Susan. Thinking of you and all your family at this very difficult time. May she Rest in Peace 🙏

Deepest sympathy to the Burke and Forde family on the death sad death of Helena. May she rest in eternal peace.

Sincere condolences to Ellen, Susan and the Burke and Forde families on the passing of Helena. May she rest in peace.

David, sincere sympathy to you and your family at this difficult time. May Helena's soul rest in peace

My sincere condolences to David and family on the passing of Helena.
May Helena rest in peace.

To Ellen and your family we send our sincere Sympathy on the passing of your beautiful daughter Helena ... after her long struggle may she Rest in eternal peace ..

Deepest Sympathy From Bernard Durkan TD

David and family
so sorry for your loss
My sincere condolences

Dear David,Ciara,Cillian,Dearbhla, all of Helenas family, Aunty Anne & all of my Burke Cousins & Families. So sorry for the loss of your beautiful Helena.She'll be your own special Guardian Angel.Forever Young. Sending love to you all.

I am so sorry to learn of this extremely sad news. I extend my sincere condolences to the whole family .

Our lovely neighbour was a dignified and warm woman who will live on in her two beautiful daughters and fine son. A tremendous credit to her and David. May she Rest in Peace.

Our sincerest condolences to you, David, Ciara, Cillian and Dearbhla on the passing of your wonderful Helena. I have nothing but the loveliest memories of growing up in her presence, and indeed when we would meet out walking in more recent times. We are thinking of you all at this sad time and wishing you strength. May Helena rest in peace.

David, very sorry to hear of your loss, sending you and your family my sincere condolences at this very difficult time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.

From all the staff and families in the Family Centre, sending our sincere condolences to Dee and family at the loss of your lovely mom Helena, sending you strength and healing in this sad time, may she rest in peace.

Dear David, Ciara, Cillian and Dearbhla. My deepest sympathy at this very sad time. Helena was such a lovely person and was always so vivacious. She will be very much missed. My heart goes out to you all.

I'm so sorry to hear of Helena's passing Susan. Sincerest condolences to you and all the extended family.
May she Rest In Peace.

Our condolence to the Burke and Forde famalies on the death of Helena. May she rest in peace.

Our deepest condolences on the passing of lovely Helena, thinking of you all at this sad time. What a beautiful send off you gave her today. Rest in Peace Helena

Sincere condolences to David and family on the sad passing of Helena.
May she rest in peace.

Deepest sympathy to David, Ciara, Cillian, Dearbhla and extended family on the passing of Helena. Thoughts and prayers are with ye all at this difficult time. May she RIP. Xx

To David and family I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Helena. My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. May Helena rest in peace.

What a beautiful ceremony for a beautiful person. You will be always be present with us Helena in our Pilates class. May your soul rest in peace and your family continue to be strong.

Ellen our sincere sympathies to you your family and Burke family on the passing of your beautiful daughter may she rip.

Dear David,
Thinking of you and your family in this time, I wish you all that your love for each other will help you hold this pain!
May Helena rest in peace!

Dear Ciara,

No words can really soothe your pain. Losing a mother is an immense ordeal, but we are convinced that her love will continue to support you throughout your life. May you find the strength and courage you need to get through this ordeal, surrounded by the love of your family and friends. My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.

We are sending you all warmest love and deepest sympathy.

David, I am so sorry to hear of your loss, sending you and your family my sincerest condolences. May Helena rest in peace.

Sincere sympathy to Ellen and Family From St
Maeulrains Whist Tallaght

My sincere condolences to David and family on the passing of Helena. You are all in my thoughts at this very difficult time.

Dear David, my sincere condolences to you and your family at this sad time, may Helena rest in peace

Deepest sympathies to Dearbhla and all family and friends. Thinking of you all.

Susan, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Sending condolences to you and your family and the Burke family. May she rest in peace.

My sincere condolences to David and his family on the passing of Helena. May she rest in peace.

My deepest condolences to Ellen, Susan, Gary , Robert and also to Helena’s husband and children on the very sad passing of Helena. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very sad and difficult time.

So sorry to hear of the passing of Helena. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.