Halyna "Helen" Martyniuk Baird
October 17, 1962 - September 14, 2020
"I cannot begin to count my blessings. Came to this country when I was 6, did not speak English, became a citizen in '82. Mom worked 25 yrs at Burgess to put a roof over our heads, put me thru college and gave us the American Dream, she never asked for help from anyone.....she is my hero and I owe her everything. I have the BEST memories from Geneva High, I cherish them always and I am still pals with the same high school friends, they are like family to me."
Tributes to Helen
Ya-Ya Sister my friend gone too soon!!....Helen knew what she loved and wanted out of life! Friendship and lots of them Helen was the most loving, vibrant and energetic person I knew! She gave the best hugs and had a beautiful smile! Helen was always planning our next outing or sharing something I'd might like to know about...she always had the right words to share and wisdom of living life!! Helen never missed a birthday or anniversary always thoughtful and sending us cards for all occasions. We've had so many fun times and a few too many glasses of wine!! I don't know how I'm going to get though life without you by my side..but I'll promise you I'll never stop sharing my memories of you! Rest in peace my dear sister and friend since Jr. High, high above the sky. - Tamra Drehs Sengstock
Cheers to Halyna Martyniuk Baird! You were a beautiful person with a strong spirit! We will miss you greatly! Forever in our hearts! - Barb Johnson Ford
I'm not sure how you honor one of the best people you ever knew, but this is a small start. Helen was & is the most beautiful, selfless, generous, fun, caring & loving souls around. She put everyone before herself. She was the epitome of light & kindness. My life is forever blessed & richer for having known & loved her and I'm sure everyone who knew her feels the same way. Towards the end, she gave Ron prepared birthday cards & a schedule for sending them out--knowing she would be gone. Wow. She knew this was not goodbye, but see you later. To my precious ABBA angel: we will dance again one day but until that time, enjoy every second with Momasita....& thank you for blessing me with your love, light & magical friendship, my sweetest soul sister. I love you forever. - Janet Lupo
The world lost a beautiful, impeccable soul yesterday. My heart goes out to all who loved and are going through this unimaginable loss. I’ll be forever grateful for all the time we got to spend together and all of the wonderful memories made. I will always miss my birthday buddy and her big, perfect hugs. Rest easy Helen, you will never be forgotten. - Danielle Ford
Still in shock that this wonderful lady is no longer with us. Helen was always someone that brighten a room and always had everyone smiling and laughing when she was around. She was someone that I considered family and was the glue to many of the friend groups. I will cherish all the wonderful memories that I have with her and all the perfect hugs. You will be forever missed, Helen. - Jessica Ford
Saying goodbye came way sooner than expected. Thank you for all of your love and encouragement over the past 26 years and for celebrating my special moments in life with me. You’ve touched countless lives, including mine. Love you always! - Melanie Burns
You will be missed my sweet friend with a heart of gold . Thank you for your friendship - until we meet again Rest In Peace - Taken too soon. - Denise Campagna
Heartbroken - I will miss you Helen. You were such a bright light. Now you are with your beloved Mamasita. - Jennifer Dowling Halverson
My heart hurts, I love you my friend. You always had a kind word for everyone & such a beautiful kind loving soul you will be missed Until we meet again RIP - Kim Kelley Thompson
My heart aches and I have no words. Rest in Peace Helen, give your sweet Momasita a hug for me. - Nanette Keir
So sad to hear my classmate and everyone’s friend Helen has passed. RIP dear soul. - Linda Challand Turk
The world has lost a beautiful, kind, funny, giving, and most excellent human being today. Helen, I hope you realize just how much you meant to so many people. Your huge heart had true love for those you called friend. You took me into your life and made me fell so very special. I will never forget your kindness and your love my dear, sweet friend. I know that you and mamacita are together in heaven, not suffering any pain and loving each other. But life here on earth will never be the same without you. I am so, so very sorry that I was not able to be there more for you. I truly love you my dear. God bless and keep you love. - Evelyn Montoya-Campos
Helen is a beautiful, wonderful soul. I know she is with her beloved mother and know she is happy now. My condolences to all her earthly friends and family. - Jackie Sacrey
So very sorry to lose such a kind, caring, considerate, lovely classmate. Her spirit will be missed. Wishing peace & comfort to her husband and family. - Catherine Davis
You will be dearly missed by so many. RIP, Helen. - Cathy Smith-Reilly
On Aug 15th , 2020, Halyna and I had a long , beautiful conversation. It was the anniversary of losing Momasita. I knew this last year had been a very tough year and the loss of her mom , who was also her hero , was weighing on her . And in the usual Halyna way , she made me feel so warm , so loved, so special. She said she had something going on , but that was all she said. She said she would explain some other time . She always made me feel special. She did that to everyone. She is that person who could light up a room . She is that woman who made you feel strong , and beautiful , and important . She was everbody’s friend . So today , I am thinking about all those times I would run into Helen , during Swedish Days , or the holidays while shopping in a Geneva, or just bumping into her while she was having dinner with Momasita, or Ron, and no matter what , she made you feel like her best friend. I am in shock . And I am so sorry to all of her family and friends . She was soooooo well loved . And she will be soooooo missed. Love , and Helen sized hugs. - Leslie Hish Seidel
A part of our family made her way to heaven today- thank you for your loving nature and the light you brought to our lives. You’ve been such a blessing to my sister and all of us. - Joan Wallner Connell
Gone too soon. So very sorry to all your friends and family sending my deepest condolences. - Michelle-Mickie Sipes
She was truly one of the sweetest people I have ever known and I am so glad I was able to speak with her on the phone a few weeks ago. - Diane Lang Bierowicz
This is tragic to lose such a precious dear friend and dear heart. Prayers and hugs to all of Helen's friends and family and may you all hold each other up and spare not a single tear. So very sorry. - Willy Reese
She was a beautiful soul. - Amanda Chalupa Myers
Helen really was one of the sweetest there is. - Pam Pavlak Swalve
She was a very sweet person. - Jodi Beyer Bush
She was so nice. - Michael Merrill
She was a gentle soul. - JoAnn Pauley Radelt
Her posts about her mom have been so precious. She was so sweet. - Julie Walls Quandt
She was kind and loved to laugh. - David Offutt
Helen was always so kind and thoughtful. - Anne Marie Pitz Wentworth
Helen was such a sweet and kind person with a beautiful smile! - Cathy Fields Ashworth
Helen was such a sweet and kind person. She will be missed. - MaryKay Sharp-Koehler
A beautiful person who made a difference in so many peoples lives. - Steve Hoefs
Helen was such a kind person. She will be greatly missed. - Beth Davis Petrunoff
She was so kind when my mom passed away she send me a beautiful card and a book on love a daughter and mother have is deeper than this earth. She never missed a moment to tell or show someone her kindness. I'm a better person because of her. - Shari Johnson-Marshall