Obituary for
Helen Bibawy (Markogiannis)
Helen “Ellie” was born on January 11, 1957, to Greek parents Steve and Georgina Markogannis. Ellie was the oldest, then George and younger sister, Maria. At a young age, Ellie’s dad passed away and her mom had to return to work, leaving Ellie to help look after her siblings. Tragically her brother was injured and suffered a life-altering brain injury. Ellie has advocated for him ever since.
In 1998 Ellie married Ray, the love of her life, in March 2000. Ellie gave birth to their only child, Georgina. Unfortunately, in 2006 Ray succumbed to his battle with Multiple Myeloma--leaving Ellie a widow and single mother. Ellie was an advocate working as an independent living skills trainer for individuals suffering from traumatic brain injuries. Her passion was to help others, providing patience, and compassion to help each client to make daily decisions.
In 2015, Ellie was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy. While receiving chemotherapy, she continued to work, raise her daughter, and return to school determined to complete her master’s degree in psychology.
Ellie struggled financially, making too much for assistance but insufficient to cover basic monthly expenses. Yet Ellie never complained, keeping her faith stating “G-D will find a way, G-D is good”. In August 2023, cancer metastasized to her bones and required Ellie to have hip surgery, placing rods to help support the hips. Elie still fought, she continued to work, continued radiation, and worked on finishing her master’s degree.
In September 2023 Ellie received her master’s in psychology. On October 7, 2023, Ellie was still working and helping her clients, had dinner with her daughter, and went to bed. On Sunday, her daughter, Georgina was unable to wake up Ellie. Within the week many tests were done. Sadly, it was confirmed that the cancer spread to her brain. On Tuesday, October 31, 2023, Ellie lost her long hard battle.
Georgina had lost her mother; they had the most beautiful unconditional love for each other. The world lost a woman who was caring, compassionate, humble, loving, strong and intelligent. Ellie is no longer suffering. Ellie would want us to remember that ‘G-D will find a way, G-D is good!”
