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Helen Kendrick McFarlane

March 19, 1957 - January 15, 2022

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Obituary For Helen Kendrick McFarlane

Helen Kendrick was born in Heswall, Cheshire, England, and grew up in several villages on the Wirral peninsula between the Dee and Mersey rivers, including Thurstaston, Burton, and Willaston. In 1972, the family moved to the Dairy Farm in Ledsham, South Wirral, Cheshire. After primary school in several villages, she earned O levels from Wirral County Grammar School for Girls. She worked as an accountant trainee in Chester before achieving A levels in Maths, English History, and Art from Carlett Park College of Technology. She then entered the University of North Wales, and earned a Bachelor in Accountancy degree with honours. With influence from her Mum, she decided that teaching was her true calling, rather than accounting, and after a course of study at the University of Liverpool, Helen received her Post-Graduate Certificate in Education. She then taught at St. Nicholas Primary School in Lutton, Lincolnshire from 1980 to 1984 where she was one of three teachers and coached boys football, girls netball, and swimming. After her wedding to Jim on August 11, 1984 in the family church, St. Bartholomew’s in Thurstaston, she made the move to the U.S., and settled into a new life together with Jim in Lantana, Florida, a small town on the intracoastal waterway within walking distance of the beach. Helen began teaching again, this time at a private school in West Palm Beach before moving again, back across the Atlantic, this time living for a year in Ghent, Belgium where Jim had a work assignment. During that year she and Jim enjoyed touring Europe in a 1978 Honda Civic that she called the “Yellow Banana”. She especially enjoyed the Rhone, Rhine, and Mosel valleys with their vineyards and wine tastings. After returning to the states in 1986, Helen and Jim lived in Delray Beach, Florida for 8 years. It was during this time that their family grew as they welcomed two sons, Scott and Sam into the world. In 1994, they made the move to Raleigh, North Carolina. Scott and Sam entered school at Lead Mine, and Greystone Preschool, respectively. It was soon after Sam started at the preschool that Helen got involved with teaching again. She taught at Greystone Baptist Church Preschool for 24 years, loving every minute of her time with her children,touching so many of the lives of the children and parents in her class. She was especially passionate about hands-on learning, guiding the children to become independent, and helping them build their foundations for future success in reading, writing and math. Helen also worked at Stein Mart and later Debby’s Hallmark in the Stonehenge shopping center and was well-known and loved by her colleagues and customers. She leaves many good friends at her church, Pleasant Grove United Methodist, and friends that know her from her days as a parent at Lead Mine Elementary, as a band parent at Carroll Middle School and Sanderson High School, and through the Scouts at Pack and Troop 350.

Her pride and joy were always her sons Scott and Sam. She was fortunate to be able to see them grow up, graduate from Sanderson High School and Appalachian State University and watch them both become teachers. She also loved Natalie, Scott's wife and Aly, Sam's soon-to-be wife and thought of them fondly as her daughters. She leaves her Dad, Alan Kendrick, in Helsby, Cheshire, England behind. Her beloved Mum, Renee Owen Kendrick passed away in 2014. She is also survived by brothers Barry (and sister-in-law Ruth) of Southampton, England; Mike (and sister-in-law Julie) of Ruthin, North Wales, sister-in-law Nancy Fairbanks (and brother-in-law Rod) of Melbourne, Florida, brother-in-law Richard McFarlane of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Also, nieces Emily Kendrick Heeley of London, Jodie Riley (and great-nephew Duane) of Liverpool, Polly Kendrick and Lucy Kendrick of London, Daisy Kendrick at the University of Warwick, Jemima Kendrick of Ruthin, and Tiffany Fairbanks of Melbourne, Florida. Her nephews are James Kendrick (and great-niece Ruby) and Owen Kendrick (and great-nephew Albie) of Southampton and great-nephew Deacon Peters of Melbourne, Florida. Her godsons are Tom Rowlands and Josh Cowell, both in England. Helen also leaves behind her much loved “Puppy Girl” — “Cocoa”. Helen also felt very close to her Mum’s sister, Ann Cross (Auntie Nancy) of Neston, England, and like a sister to her cousins, Judy Rowlands of Neston, Jeni Pugh of Perth, Australia, Suzanne McCarthy of Great Sutton, England, and Jayne Cross of Childer Thornton, England.

She loved and appreciated art in Amsterdam, where she spent a summer working as a chambermaid and going to the museums in her time off, with her cousin Jeni. She was thrilled to see the Van Gogh Experience in Charlotte this past summer. Her culinary skills ranged from traditional British (cottage pie, trifle, and mince pies) to American (pimento cheese and Kahlua cake, 'Ain't No Grits'). She loved photography and made greeting cards with photo prints of flowers and lighthouses. She was the unofficial photographer and videographer for many weddings and parties.

Helen loved Ted Lasso, James Bond, Harry Potter, Beatrix Potter, Pete the Cat, Winnie the Pooh, Charlie Brown and Hamilton. In one of her journals, she wrote a quote that Christopher Robin said to Winnie the Pooh: “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”

Helen was also a football fan, both American and English. She cheered for the Appalachian State Mountaineers and the Marching Mountaineers and loved trips to Boone and the mountains. Her football team in England was Liverpool F.C.; she became an ardent supporter (and “Kopite”) while at University. She always called her son Sam when Liverpool scored. She also loved going to baseball games, especially the Durham Bulls.

Music was a big part of Helen’s life. Bands and artists she enjoyed were the Beatles (whom she saw while on a family holiday in Wales in 1963), the many artists who came to Liverpool in the 1970s (Motown artists like the Temptations, Stevie Wonder, and the Jackson 5), Nick Lowe and Elvis Costello (he kissed her hand backstage!). And concerts with Van Morrison, The Who, Bruce Springsteen (thanks to Barry and Ruth), Squeeze, the Zorkie Twins, Dansette Alligators (shout out to Mighty Kecker!), Shambollix (with Father Ted), and the Pinkerton Raid (roadie to Jesse and Scott!) to name a few. She enjoyed theatre, notably the performances at the Phoenix Theatre in Florida with direction and performances by Rod and Nancy Fairbanks, and performances at the DPAC (thanks Ellen and Pat!).

Helen overcame many obstacles but never complained about what she endured. This is especially remarkable, as her initial cancer diagnosis was in 1985. Her smile and attitude were infectious and irresistible. She will always be remembered and missed. Helen - 'You’ll Never Walk Alone'.

Special thanks go out to the Bagel Moms and Kids. They have been supporting, caring and enduring friends and Helen loved them all dearly. She especially treasured her friendships with Ms. Pat and Ms. Brenda and had to meet on Friday mornings for bagels. The neighborhood friends have also been kind and supportive, she will be missed by her friends at “Helen’s Court” (thanks, Susan!). She also has special friends in the “Rogue” small group that have been living life together for many years. Also in addition to family, special friends who have remained especially close over the years and have always shared good times with Helen and family on both sides of the pond - Evelyn Cowell whom she met during her days in Bangor, and Jo Carson and Alan Macgregor from her teaching course days at Liverpool.

Dr. Andrew Berchuck at Duke, Dr. John Soper at UNC, and Dr. Bryan Clary, formerly at Duke, as well as Sarah Cohlmeyer, N.P., at the Duke Cancer Center and special nurse Caitlin Hull, were all wonderful in Helen’s care over the years. In her honour, please consider a donation to the Gail Parkins Memorial Ovarian Cancer Walk & 5k Run,where there is a donate button on the home page. Helen walked in this event nearly every year including the first walk in 2002 and was present at the event this past September 18, 2021.

A celebration of Helen’s life is being planned for 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 19, 2022 at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, 4415 Pleasant Grove Church Road, Raleigh, NC 27613.

Services

19 Mar

Memorial Service

11:00 AM

Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church 4415 Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church Raleigh, NC 27613 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • June 11, 2023

    Just thinking of my beautiful sister, thank you for the kind words. Some fantastic place. Mighty Kekka

  • March 19, 2022

    If Roses Grow In Heaven If Roses grow in Heaven, Lord please pick one for me. Place it Lord in Helens hand and tell her its from me. Tell her that I love her and miss her, and when she turns to smile, place a kiss upon her cheek and hold her for a while. Because remembering her is easy, I do it every day, But there's an ache within my heart that will never go away. Our beautiful brave cousin Helen....Suzanne and Chris xx

  • February 21, 2022

    Helen has a wonderful spirit that will continue to bring joy to all who knew her. She was always willing to lend a hand and give an encouraging word. She will be missed. Hugs and prayers, Cindy Jones

  • February 16, 2022

    Miss Helen was one of our daughter's favorite teachers at Greystone. She was an amazing bundle of energy, positivity and full of love for the children. Our daughter has never had a southern accent despite having parents who do. We frequently say that it is because she was in Miss Helen's 3 year old class. She is now a senior in college, just spent a semester in London and plans to go back to live there after graduation. Miss Helen truly made her students lives better. Our deepest condolences - Greg, Elaine and Anna Jenkins

  • February 07, 2022

    Miss Helen was a teacher at Greystone Preschool the year I filled in as interim director. She was very welcoming and helpful to me. It was always a joy whenever I saw her in the years since. I am very sorry for your loss.

  • January 27, 2022

    I knew "Miss Helen" briefly and met her when I would pick up my great nephew or niece from her class. What a jewel for those children. I am so sorry for your loss.

  • January 25, 2022

    Helen was my dear friend and my hero. We had a shared history of cancer and handled it in very different ways. I, constantly searching for answers, Helen chose to minimize or deny what was happening to her over three decades.... she may have known something I did not. She was the kindest, most gentle, genuine, and caring human that the world has ever seen. An angel on earth. Although she had so many challenges, she was here for my own battle with cancer, when I broke my arm and when I was in a car accident and endless other times. Always cheerful, bringing a cup of tea and a smile. I comfort myself now that she is gone with the blanket, she gave me to cheer me when I was down. She had a long history of hospitalizations as this vicious disease reared its ugly head. When she had to undergo chemo, I made it a point to visit her at Duke every time knowing what a rough road it was. She was always grateful and positive. Just this summer, after several surgeries that we never thought she would survive, she and our dear friend Pat, splashed around in my community pool, then had ice cream soda's. Life was good and it was a wonderful day, only a few short months ago. As she started her decline, all I could think to do was to bring her homemade chicken soup, which she loved and I would stay to chat about her family, Ted Lasso, and the state of politics in the world. It will be unimaginable for me to go on without her at my annual holiday tea. I will save a place for her always at the table, like Elijah. She will always be with me in spirit and in my heart. I will think of her every time I have a cup of tea. Fly with the angels and rest in peace my dear friend. Ellen Jane Baker

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