In Memory of Helen Poon's Fundraising Page

Thank you for your interest in supporting cancer research and care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of our mom, Helen Mar Poon. Helen passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 7, 2021 in Arlington, VA. A virtual celebration of life and memorial service will be held in August.

Helen received expert care at DFCI while managing leiomyosarcoma, an extremely rare and incurable type of soft tissue cancer. We ask that, in lieu of flowers, Helen's many friends and family make a donation in her memory.

With gratitude, 

Lauren, Catherine, Alex, and Steve

Helen Mar Poon - 1960 - 2021

Helen Mar Poon passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 7, 2021 in Arlington, Virginia. Born on January 14, 1960 in Montréal, Québec, Helen is survived by her four children: Lauren Poon, Catherine Poon, Alex Poon, and Stephen Poon; two grandsons; three siblings: Doreen Mar, Douglas Mar, and Humphrey Mar; fiancé Andrew MacDonald; and many friends and family members around the world. 

Helen led a life full of joy, kindness, and service to others, all while facing seemingly insurmountable challenges with unwavering positivity and faith. Helen will be forever remembered for her kind gestures big and small. She always waved to the driver behind her whenever she changed lanes, saved coupons to share them with other shoppers around Christmas, and made every person feel special. Throughout her treatment for an extremely rare cancer, she emphatically wore her blue “Life is Good” t-shirt with a little red bike and basket on the front. 

Helen and her parents, Henry and Dorothy Mar, became US Citizens in the spring of 1971. Helen was a proud Hoosier - she graduated in 1978 from Northwest High School in Indianapolis, Indiana, where she was a Varsity volleyball player, and had fond memories of shooting hoops and swimming with her siblings during the summer. She was also a Girl Scout, which she enjoyed so much that she later served as a dedicated troop leader for 14 years.

Helen graduated from Wellesley College in 1982. She was a political science and psychology double major and economics minor, though she often noted she was just one class short of completing a triple major. During her senior year, she won Hoop Rolling, a beloved Wellesley tradition. Helen earned her JD at Boston University School of Law, where she co-founded and was president of the Asian Law Students Society. She graduated in May of 1985 and was admitted to both the D.C. and Florida Bars. Always an overachiever, she got married at the Wellesley College chapel the day before her graduation. Helen later worked in banking, insurance, real estate, and trusts and estates law.

Helen also worked at the Holton-Arms School in Bethesda, Maryland as the Community Service Coordinator and Assistant to the Lower School Director for 13 years. Helen loved hearing the hallways full of little girls’ voices and laughter every day, and seeing the same girls become young women during her time at Holton. She deeply appreciated the love and support from her Holton colleagues, students, and their families, especially while she underwent cancer treatment.

Helen was a pillar of leadership and beloved supporter in every community. There was a special place in her heart for the communities of her children’s schools and sports teams, where she spent countless hours in the hot summer sun cheering on her kids, chaperoning band trips, and making everyone feel included.

A virtual celebration of life and memorial service will be held in August. In lieu of flowers, please spread some of Helen’s joy around the world, volunteer in your community, or consider donating to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Helen’s memory.