As long as I can remember, I could always knock on Helen's door at LA and count on her welcoming me in with a hug and a smile. It never occurred to me at the time, but I could talk to Helen about anything. From the beginning of my memory to my adult life, she never changed how she treated me. I left after every encounter feeling encompassed with a positiveness.

I remember her brushing and pinning her beautiful, long, white hair. Her hair shined with the light of the halo she wore.

Helen molded me to be the person I stand to be today. Her passion for faith, her family and the Matkovichs ran deep. I shared many special moments in my life at the entrance of her door and the comforts of her home at LA apartments. So many wise lessons around the sorrows of life, love and death she shared with me at a young age which will continue effect my perception of the world and the world I create

Helen molded me to be the person I stand to be today. Her passion for faith, her family and the Matkovichs ran deep. I shared many special moments in my life at the entrance of her door and the comforts of her home at LA apartments. So many wise lessons around the sorrows of life, love and death she shared with me at a young age which will continue effect my perception of the world and the world I create for myself. Hours upon hours we sat and talked and I always introduced her to boyfriends and friends. She was my safe heaven as I battled my adolescence. I loved her dearly.

A vivid memory… the day I ran for Pancake Day I called her early in the morning before the pageant started. I said, “Helen, I am going to need you to pray for me on this one.” That night directly following the crowning. I stopped by her place very late in the evening in crown, sash and gown and shared the celebratory moment together.