Derechin, Helen Meilin a Chinese adoptee, was born in Changzhou, China during the month of May, 1996. She joined her forever family in June of 1997 and passed away of natural causes in January of 2024. Helen was raised in Minneapolis and was embraced and loved by the Chinese and Jewish communities. Helen was a lifer at SPA (St. Paul Academy) and graduated from Augsburg University with highest honors in biology. Subsequently, Helen worked as a scientist in medical technology and dreamed of a career working with children in the medical field. Helen enjoyed baking, backpacking, singing, working as a nanny, her role as a big sister, and being with the best dog in the whole world, Ty. Helen loved her family, spicy food, garlic, feeling the sun on her face, Costa Rica, travel, home decor, and going to restaurants like Kim's with her friends and Raku with her sister. Helen was passionate about social justice, adoptee voices, and was a huge nerd about all things regarding musicals and science. Helen was a strong advocate for her mental and physical health and faced those challenges with strength and bravery. In Helen's own words, "Caring for children warmed my soul. It bloomed a love for connecting with kids who were similar to me." Helen grew her love of caring for children through her first love, her little sister Leora. Adopting her sister was a vital part of her life. Helen took comfort in knowing she was the only one able to comfort Leora when she joined her forever family in Changsha, China, in 2003. As a teen, she deepened her desire to care for children through a trip with Red Thread Charities, where she was able to connect with orphans in Hangzhou, China. More of Helen's special moments that shaped her life include performing Chinese dance at CAAM-CDT and in musical theater at SPA, E3, and Children's Theater Company. Helen also loved backpacking expeditions across Wyoming, Montana, and culminating in a 6-week trip to the Arctic Circle with Camp Widjiwagan. Preceded in death by grandfathers, William Derechin and George Rothweiler. Survived by parents, Beatrice Rothweiler and Neil Derechin; sister, Leora Derechin; "second parents", Aunt Laurie Derechin and Uncle Josep Maria Bonsoms Delmar; grandmothers, Haddie Derechin and Therese Rothweiler; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and loyal friends. We feel endless gratitude for being able to love Helen for 26 years. Special thanks to all of Helen's teachers, mentors, and caregivers. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Children's Theater Company in Minneapolis, organizations serving children in need, Camp Widjiwagan, CAAM-CDT, or donor's choice. May Helen's memory be a blessing. SHIVA 7:00 PM Thursday, February 1st at 2221 Youngman Ave., St. Paul, in the community room. Memorial/Celebration of Life 1:00 PM Thursday, February 15th followed by burial at Lakewood Cemetery Chapel, 3600 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis. Consult the Hodroff-Epstein website for details, updates, and livestreaming. Hodroff-Epstein 612-871-1234 hodroffepstein.com

Published on January 31, 2024