Helen Laffin

Helen Laffin, beloved wife, mother, sister, friend, and Vovo, entered into the presence of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 13th, at the age of 60. Born on July 17, 1965, Helen lived a life full of love, joy, and unshakable faith. She was known for her radiant smile, compassionate heart, and her unwavering hope in Christ. Helen was never defined by illness or circumstance—her life was marked by victory in faith, not defeat. She often reminded those around her that her battle was not with cancer, but with her thoughts, feelings, and faith—and that battle she won through her trust in Jesus. Helen's greatest love was for her Lord, her family, and the many people whose lives she touched. She gave of herself generously, encouraging others, lifting them in prayer, and bringing joy wherever she went. Anyone who knew Helen learned early on that her greatest love was her Lord Jesus. She had a voracious hunger for the Word of God, worship, and connecting with believers wherever she went. She had an encounter with Jesus when her second son was born prematurely and had no hope of surviving. In her desperation she collapsed on the bathroom floor of the hospital room and from her broken heart she cried out to the God of her grandmother and said, "If you save my son I will follow you for the rest of my life!" She then went to her hospital bed and slept. The next morning the doctors and nurses frantically entered the room calling her to come quickly. In the few early hours of the morning her son had gone from not even being expected to live to having the tubes, breathing apparatus, and life sustaining equipment disconnected. With no medical explanation her son was miraculously healed. Helen kept her promise and faithfully followed her Lord and savior from that day until she took her last breath. Helen dedicated her life to encouraging and empowering others to find healing and freedom through a relationship with Jesus Christ. She was quick to share the wisdom, insight, and instruction she obtained by facing her own trials and challenges. She had a special love and concern for children and was quick to connect with their hearts. Her genuine affection was like a magnet for children who quickly adopted her as their Vovo (Portuguese for grandmother). She also had a heart for women of young children, understanding the unique pressures and challenges they face – especially single mothers. Helen and her husband Luke co-founded a non-profit foundation in 2011 to serve as a vehicle for empowering others to reach their potential so they could impact the world around them. She is survived by her devoted husband, Luke, her children Ginez (Samantha) and Gustavo, her stepchildren Luke (Sami), Lenea (Jacques), and Christopher (Miranda). She is also survived by the greatest objects of her earthly passion - her grandchildren: Conner, Maximus, Madilyn, and Helen Maelie; Kaydence and Hendrix; Brylee Rose and Joseph; Neveah and Xander, her siblings Elaine, Marcelo (Marly), Valeria, Emerson (Vanessa), and Flavia (Nelio), and her extended family and many friends who will carry her memory with deep love and gratitude. Helen's life will be celebrated in a service on September 18th at Palms West Funeral Home. Friends and family are invited to gather in remembrance, not to mourn as those without hope, but to rejoice that she is now with Jesus Christ, the one her heart loved. The family requests that donations be made to Four Winds Global Foundation (https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/VLDRUMKSF43K8), in honor of Helen's enduring faith and love for others.