Helen Mae Rast Zirk passed away peacefully on December 2, 2025. Helen was born in the Ridgeville, S. C. area and at the young age of three was adopted by James and June Rast, Sr. She grew up in North Charleston and attended Chicora High School.

At the age of 23, Helen met and married Helge “Swede” Sjolund who was serving in the U.S. Navy stationed in Charleston, S.C. Helen and Swede moved to his hometown of Brooklyn, N.Y. Over the next several years they lived in several different cities due to Swede’s work. After their divorce Helen married James Zirk in February of 1981 and they lived in Bowman, S.C. for the remainder of her life.

During her life Helen enjoyed several different hobbies such as cross stitch, ceramics and collecting antiques and oddities. Helen was a faithful member of Faith Santee and attended regularly until her health began to deteriorate. She worked in the cafe at church and greeted guests each Sunday with coffee and a smile. She enjoyed serving in the cafe and wanted to be there every Sunday. Helen would also help her good friends with her Dizzy Ducks Estate Sales business and really enjoyed meeting and greeting customers.

Survivors include her siblings, Norma (Tom) Hillard, James (Pam) Rast, Jr.; nephews and nieces, Skip McNulty, Joe (Karen) Hughes, Ryan (Amanda) DelRio, Marissa DelRio, Britney (Marion) Hunter; great nephews and nieces, Jaylan Hughes, Payton DelRio, Ethan Hughes, Cali DelRio, Brantley Hunter, and Babs Hunter.

A service celebrating the life of Mrs. Helen will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at Faith Santee Church, 9150 Old #6 Highway, Santee.

Helen will be deeply missed by her family and friends.