Helene Sylvia Markoff

WARWICK, R.I. – Helene Sylvia Markoff of Warwick died on Dec. 14. Helene was the daughter of the late Maurice and Rose (Muffs) Markoff. She is survived by her sister, Phyllis Homonoff; brother, Edward Markoff, and his wife, Leona; Aunt Jan McKernan-Markoff; nephew, Marvin Homonoff, and his wife Linda; niece, Susan Florence, and her husband Mark; nephew, Burt Homonoff, and his wife, Robin; niece, Melanie Margolis, and her husband, Mitch; and niece, Marcy Markoff. She is also survived by 6 great nieces and nephews, and 4 great great nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her brother-in-law Harold H. Homonoff on March 2, 2014. The two were remarkably close.

A 1949 graduate of Bryant University, Helene began an illustrious 40-year career the following year with the U.S. government. She began with the federal government as a clerk-typist, level GS-2, for the Navy in Davisville, R.I. Her combination of strong work ethic, passion and intellect propelled her throughout her career, bringing her to work in places such as Washington, D.C., Spain and Morocco. In 1965, she received a Superior Accomplishment Award for her work on wage surveys in Spain and in 1970 the Navy Civilian Meritorious Award was conferred upon her. That same year, Helene was named director, Federal Women’s Program, U.S. Civil Service Commission at the EEOC. The following year, she was nominated for The Federal Women’s Award. In 1974, Helene reached what she considered the high point of her career, receiving an Honorary Doctorate in Science & Public Administration from her alma mater.

In 1976 Helene received the Civil Service Commissioner’s Citation of Official Commendation & Praise. That same year, Helene moved to the Department of Energy, where she worked until her retirement in 1990. In 1984, she received the Presidential Rank Award from President Ronald Reagan.

Upon her retirement, Helene remained active in advocacy for all peoples, civil service and education through her work at the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. and involvement in continuing education at American University.

Through her entire adult life Helene Markoff was an advocate and scholar who advanced women’s rights. While she could aptly be deemed a feminist by any standard definition, above all she was a humanist. It just so happens some humans are women, of which she was an exemplary one. Growing up in a time when achievement for a woman was commonly measured by being married and raising children, Helene helped to redefine what success for a woman means today. No matter how you define success, her accomplishments, including making it all the way to level GS-15, more than makes the grade. Whether known as Helene or Auntie Helene, Helene Sylvia Markoff will be greatly missed.

Contributions in Helene’s memory may be made to: Children’s National Medical Center, 111 Michigan Ave, N.W., Washington, D.C.  20010-2970, Stefanie McAnall, Volunteer Services; or Bryant University,1150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield R.I. 02917, Attention: Ed Magro Executive Director, Development; or, the charity of your choice.