Phoenix – Helen Marie Markham, 91, passed away peacefully December 14, 2020. Helen was born, along with her twin brother Jack, January 6, 1929 in Miami, Arizona to John and Frances Buckley. The Buckley’s moved to Phoenix and Helen graduated from North High School in Phoenix. After High School, Helen attended St. Catherine’s University in St. Paul, Minnesota. Helen married George S. Markham and moved with George to South Bend, Indiana while George attended the University of Notre Dame, returning to Phoenix after his graduation.
Helen was a homemaker while raising seven children in Central Phoenix. After George passed away Helen served as the school secretary (nurse, counselor, and bookkeeper) at St. Gregory Catholic School in Phoenix. She loved bowling and playing cards with her group of friends, watching sports on TV with her family, going to the cabin, watching grandchildren and great-grandchildren at their special events, hosting huge holiday parties for the family, and being a Cardinals season ticket holder for several years.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband George Markham, brother Jack Buckley, sister Lorraine Barnett, and granddaughter Jeannette Markham. She is survived by her sister Margaret Mueller and Helen’s 7 children: Sharon Canady (Frank), Mike Markham (Angela), Mary Pat Wood, Brian Markham (Jenny), Kathleen DeVinney (Joe), Tom Markham and Kevin Markham (Corrine). Helen had 18 grandchildren: Kelley, Jennifer, Michael, Heather, Sheri, Eric, Danny, Brent, Carrie, Meghan, Katie, Erin, Michele, Chrissie, Jeannette, George, Casey, and Sophie. She especially loved the babies and had 24 great grandchildren.
Private Family Services will be held Monday, December 21, 2020 at 10:00 AM at St. Gregory Catholic Church.
Due to COVID, the services will be livestreamed and can be viewed at: https://www.facebook.com/WhitneyMurphyFH/live/.
Donations can be made to the St. Gregory Catholic School Adopt-A-Student Fund. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com.
Tom and Ginny Herbst
Tom and I only met Helen a few times. We remember her as being very gracious and kind and have fond memories of her. We lift all of her family in prayer.
Tom and Ginny Herbst
Susan Pernitz
Our condolences to Kathy and family. Erin mentioned her often to Krista and me. With sympathy, love, Steve and Sue
Patricia Abraham
As a former member of the extended family of Helen, I am saddened by her death. She was my favorite of the Buckley sisters and I know her loss is felt deeply by her children and grandchildren. She was a beautiful soul and I know she is in a better place with George.
The Fox Family in Tempe
Helen always had a big smile and a great sense of humor. She was always interested in the comings and goings of her extended family. She was also a strong woman of faith. Our condolences to the whole Markham family.
Robert Kelly
I first met Helen when she worked at St. Gregory’s where my children were enrolled. It was later my honor to teach here granddaughter, Jennifer, at St. Mary’s High School. Helen was a great human being, one who lived a wonderful and fulfilling life. Her family must draw enormous pride.
Patricia Loughrin
Mary Pat,
My sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your mother.
Mary Ciampoli
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your Mother. She was a lovely lady and I know a wonderful Mother. I remember her from a very young age.
Your cousin,
Mary Godbehere Ciampoli
Dan and Dawn Vadnais
To the Markham family….mom is in a better place. She had many trips (91) around the Sun
I remember her from St Gregory’s and Bourgade. I remember a Scout trip one summer to Iron Springs in Prescott.. that was fun. May u find comfort that she is in a better place beside your dad and will always be “watching you from a distance “.
Margaret Lou Sampley
Dear Sharon, I just learned of the passing of your Mother. I am so sorry for your loss. I remember her fondly. She is now reunited with Georgr, who was taken too soon. I was in your class at St. Gregory grammar school and lived a few years across the street on on 17th Avenue. Peace and love to you and family, Margaret Sampley