Marks, Helen

Helen Marie Marks, passed away on March 20 at her Cape Cod home in Cotuit, MA. Her busy life was centered on learning and sharing her knowledge with others. She was born in 1938 in East Orange, N.J., the first child of Helen and Ed Marks. Within a short period of time, the young family moved to nearby Morristown. Helen proved to be an excellent student, and later, teacher. As a teacher, she was always looking for better ways to improve teaching methods and inspire students. After several years of teaching, she decided there was more she could do to help all students – by becoming a student again. In 1969 she took on the position of Director of Religious Education for the Archdiocese of Detroit, which she held while completing the University of Michigan’s Masters and Doctoral programs in Education. Her studies were long and difficult (though she still found time to become a dedicated fan of the Wolverine football team). Upon receiving her doctorate, she joined the faculty doing educational research at the University of Wisconsin. Helen next joined the faculty at Ohio State College of Education in Columbus. Between

1990 and 2012 she divided her time between teaching her students and contributing to 24 studies on topics covering a variety of issues that impact the world of education. When time to retire, Helen felt the pull to return to the East and settled happily in Cotuit, MA, volunteering in service to others. She is survived by her brother, Ed Marks, who resides in Kiawah Island, S.C. Because of the pandemic, a service for Helen in New Jersey will not occur until the summer. Details will be provided once plans are made.