Helen Louise Wilkie
Passed away peacefully on 24th January 2026, at the Nelson Hospice, after a courageous journey with cancer, aged 71 years. Beloved and devoted mum to Matthew (dec), Jane and Amy. Much loved partner of Mark Best. Treasured Nana to Jacob, Toby, Vann, Tilly and Fern.
Our hearts are broken, but we are forever grateful for her unconditional love, strength, kindness, and the countless memories she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always. Messages to the family of Helen Wilkie, c/- PO Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Tasman Nelson Hospice via their website would be appreciated or
may be made at the service.
A celebration of her life will be held at the Springlands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services,
15 Boyce Street, Blenheim on Thursday 29 January at 1pm, followed by a private interment.
CLOUDY BAY FUNERAL SERVICES BLENHEIM F.D.A.N.Z.
Service Details
Springlands Chapel
Cloudy Bay Funeral Services
15 Boyce Street
Blenheim
Thursday 29 January 2026
1.00pm
From - Tanya Borck
So incredibly sad to read of Helen's passing. She was an outstanding educator.
Sincere condolences to her family.
From - Jill and Richard Cretney
Dear Mark and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. Helen was a fun loving positive lady and put up a good fight. Comforting thoughts of you all at this sad time.
From - Kathy Beetham
Saddened to hear of Helen's passing. Our thoughts are with Mark, Jane & Amy & families at this time.
Moe mai, moe mai ra me taku hoa. Rere ki runga me ngā anahera Helen.
From Kathy Beetham, Sophie Munro, Nigel & Guy Jenkins
From - Tristine Cooke
Sending sincere condolences to you Mark and Helen's family.
Our love and thoughts are with you all at this very sad time.
Jim & Tristine Cooke
From - Sue Wilkinson
A sad goodbye to a very dear friend. My heart felt condolences to Jane and Amy, Mark and family.
Sue
From - Kerry & Bob Aitken
Dearest Helen,
What a joy and privilege it was to meet you and become firm friends in Nelson.
You are one of the most caring & loving women & I loved our friendship, I’ll miss you dearly x
From - Lisa Church
Dear Mark and family,
So incredibly sad to read the passing of Helen. Helen was a beautiful, amazing person. RIP Helen xx
From - Joanne Doherty
Arohanui to you Helen - my gentle and strong friend. I loved my time with you lying on the bed in the sun reminiscing about our Featherston days and our journeys through life - we are all walking each other home!
Love to Mark, and Jane and Amy and all their Whanau.
Rest in peace
Joanne Doherty and Whanau 🌿🌿
From - Helen O'Connell
Our warmest condolences to Jane and Amy.
We loved Helen. She was such a smart and vibrant presence in our lives as you girls and
our Ana and Daniel were growing up.
Helen's beautiful spirit will live on in our hearts and yours ..
With much love and warmest hugs, Helen and Peter xxxx
From - Val Golding
To Mark, Jane, Amy and their families, Sue and Gill. What an inspiring lady we have all had the
privilege to know and love. Helen was one of life’s genuine treasures!
Love Val and Bruce Golding
From - Susan Flynn
It was my privilage to know Helen as a friend and as new mothers together.
She was a special person; gentle and kind, with an inner strength.
I will always picture Helen in her Featherston garden, smiling, and her head tilted as she listened.
Helen's caring nature and her talents have had a lasting benefit to many.
From - Barbara Lampe
To Mark and Families
Sending prayers and blessings as you navigate this difficult time
Kind regards Barbara Lampe and family
From - Christine Campbell
To Mark, Jane and Amy and families,
My heartfelt thoughts go out to you all with the unimaginable sadness of losing Helen.
I am sorry I can't be with you on Thursday but I will be remembering all the very happy times Colin and I spent with Helen over many years. My deepest sympathy to you all.
xx Christine Campbell
From - Trish Weaver
I am deeply saddened to hear of Helen’s passing. I had the privilege of working with her at Renwick School
in the big open-plan room when I was a young teacher. We worked hard and shared many laughs,
and I have such fond memories of her zooming into school in the mornings after dropping the girls off,
always full of stories about what they had been up to. She was extremely proud of her girls and her mokopuna.
Helen helped me learn the importance of finding a healthy balance between work and life,
and I will always be grateful for that.
Rest in love Helen .
You were such a gorgeous human being.
Much love to all her whanau. xxxx
From - Rachael van Asch
Oh, dear Helen, I am sad to see your gorgeous face and know you are gone.
I loved catching up whenever I saw you in a teaching capacity. God bless
From - Emma
Sending heartfelt condolences to you all. I have only just heard of Helen’s passing, sorry we didn’t make her service.
I will always remember the patience, encouragement, and care shown in the classroom.
Such an inspiration to more than she may have realised! Remembered in respect!
From - Dianne Ward
To Mark & Helen's family, I am so sorry to read of Helen's passing. As an RT:Lit, we met often to discuss Literacy, but also Marlborough connections. Helen was always a positive listener & communicator.
Sincere Sympathy. Di Ward
From - Natalie
A beautiful lady, I feel so privileged to have known. Classy, sophisticated, minksy, loving and fun - so pleased our paths crossed. You are already missed. Love and thoughts to your gorgeous family (wow she loved you all) such a tricky time but how lucky are you to have had such a gem in your life - top class diamond right there!! N x
