St. Thomas Resident Dies on Irish Getaway

A woman from St. Thomas who passed away while vacationing in Ireland is being celebrated by her family as someone who cherished life, fitness, and caring for her loved ones as well as strangers.

Helen Valks, 73, was cycling across Ireland with her husband when a tractor collided with her bicycle on a beautiful rural road. In the aftermath of this tragedy, her family – still coping with the loss – reflects on the many years of happiness she brought into their lives.

“Obviously we’re still finding our way through the fog. It was such a tremendous shock, but compared to the last week we’re all doing much better,” said Jeff Valks, Helen’s son.

Ireland’s National Police and Security Services have announced they are looking into the accident that claimed Helen’s life, asking for witnesses while confirming that a tractor hit her bike on May 24 at around 12:45 p. m. local time, or 7:45 a. m., eastern time.

According to Jeff, he and his sister Rachel Oostdyk realized something was wrong when they received alerts saying their mother had taken a serious fall. The alert came in at 7:41 a. m., and just 12 hours later, he found himself boarding a flight to Ireland.

What followed was a whirlwind of travel arrangements, communication with police, heartbreak mixed with heartwarming gestures from locals in Ireland, Jeff shared.

The police allowed the siblings to walk along the same stretch of road where their mother lost her life; an experience he described as walking in his mother’s shoes and gaining insight into what she might have faced that day.

Family members and friends say Helen was unmatched in her ability to bring joy to people around her. (Submitted)

This experience also offered some unexpected moments of comfort amidst their grief, according to Jeff. Hotel staff made sure his father received proper care. Strangers shared tears with his family and extended their hospitality; even airport staff arranged for private transportation after learning about their visit’s purpose.

Rachel noted that although it was both difficult and beautiful all at once.

“Nothing prepares you for that moment when you find out your mom is gone, but we were so blessed by the kindness of people, and we can learn so much from what we experienced.”

A part of what made this experience shine through is how closely local people’s treatment mirrored how Helen lived her own life, Rachel added.

Rachel and her husband photographed at the site where Helen died, on a rural road in Ireland. (Submitted)

A breast cancer survivor who worked as a nurse and yoga instructor while being an avid cyclist herself, Helen inspired countless individuals throughout her life.

“A lot of people have a tendency when someone is in pain or suffering to pull away. But she would dive in. That’s what set her apart,” Rachel said. “That’s what made her so successful as a nurse, mother, grandmother, yoga instructor and friend-her ability to do what others couldn’t.”

Jeff remembers how people would often stop him in grocery stores because their parents had been cared for by Helen in ICU; they always spoke highly of her,” he recounted.

Friend and former colleague Kelly Wells remarked that Helen’s influence on patients truly reflected who she was as an individual.

“I think the reason that people stopped her kids in stores was because she got so involved in not just looking after the patient but also caring for their families too. She looked after everything,” Wells said. “We’re just going to miss her like crazy. She was one-of-a-kind.”

Helen right , and friend Kelly Wells sit on camping chairs in this undated photo. (Kelly Wells)

Helen will be held dear by those who knew her , with visitation planned for June 5 from 2-4 p. m. and 7-9 p. m. at Sifton Funeral Home in St. Thomas. A funeral mass will take place June 6 at 1 p. m. at Holy Angels’ Church in St. Thomas.

A yoga event celebrating Helen is scheduled for June 8 at Pinafore Park starting at 9:30 a. m., Rachel mentioned , adding that through losing her mother , she learned an important lesson:

“In a moment life can change. Don’t get caught up in a moment and miss an opportunity to be with those you love,” she advised.”Call your mother, linger in that embrace, reorganize your plans, and make it work.”

Source link