Helen Essadora Zarkowski

IRON RIVER, MI / MARQUETTE, MI – Helen Essadora Zarkowski, aged 89, entered eternal life Thursday evening, July 22, 2021, at Eastwood Nursing Center, in Negaunee, in the loving, comforting care of her family. Helen was born March 10, 1932, in the Detroit area, a daughter of Oscar and Evelyn (Walker) Gilbert, was raised in Detroit, and graduated from high school in 1950. In 1953, Helen was married and had four children. In 1961, Helen moved to Southern California where she eventually acquired a position at the Sears West Coast Regional Headquarters. In 1971, with her three children, she moved to Iron River so she could be closer to her sister, June’s family. Shortly after moving to Iron River, she met the love of her life, Henry “Coupy” Borns. In 1978, at age 45, Helen entered college to become a LPN, graduating cum laude. She was employed at Iron County General Hospital, and particularly loved working in Obstetrics. Upon the loss of the love of her life, Henry, she began devoting her life to helping to care for and educate her grandchildren. Helen’s grandchildren were her joy. After living with her son in Texas for six years, she relocated to Marquette where her daughter, Andrea, lives. Helen worked for the Marquette Senior Center for approximately ten years. In 2015, Helen moved to Eastwood Nursing Center where they cared for her as if she was one of their own family members. Helen was known for being outgoing, spontaneous, generous, loyal, and tenacious, as evidenced by experiences such as riding in a hot air balloon and taking flight in a glider plane. She was very fond of Kahlua (heavy pour, light rocks) and especially men in kilts. Helen is survived by her son, Steven (Sandy) Zarkowski; daughters, Andrea (Jack) Ford, and Diane Schwartz; four grandchildren, Jenny Nelson, Nichole Veirs, Matthew Nelson, Ashley (Doug) Klein; and four great-grandchildren, Ava, Cooper, Tyler, and Peyton; a brother-in-law, Phillip Cataldo; sister-in-law, Joyce Gilbert; as well as nieces and nephews. Helen is preceded in death by a son, Matthew Zarkowski; her mother, Evelyn (Walker) Gilbert; father, Oscar Gilbert; her son-in-law, Mark Schwartz; brothers, William (Mattie) Gilbert, Charles Gilbert, George Gilbert; sisters, Hazel Gilbert, Jean (Joseph) Gardner, and June Cataldo. Helen’s brother, John (Flossie) Gilbert and sister-in-law, Pat Gilbert, status unknown. Friends may call at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services on Saturday, August 7, beginning at 10:00 am, until the time of service, at 11:00 am, Pastor John Fish will officiate. A reception will follow in the funeral home reception room. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Department 142, Memphis, TN 38148. Condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.