Service Information

Viewing

Aug. 20, 2021

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

1950 E. Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, Utah

Directions to Viewing

Service

Aug. 21, 2021

2:00 PM

1950 E. Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, Utah

Directions to Service

Our dear mom, grandma, wife, sister and daughter passed away on August 15th from complications of the Covid virus.

Helen was born on June 29, 1961, in Lugansk, Ukraine. She was the daughter of Yevgeniy and Tamara Dolzenko. Helen was a natural born teacher and got her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She taught for almost 40 years.

In her early 20’s she swept a young man named Victor Bezruk off his feet and they got married shortly thereafter. A year later a baby was born whom they named Anton (Tony). Unfortunately, that marriage only lasted for a few years. A short while later Helen married Oleg Taranushchenko and they were blessed with a baby daughter whom they named Dasha.

Not long after, she found herself as a single mother raising 2 kids with the help of her parents.

After 9 years she decided to pursue her lifelong dream of finding a soulmate outside of Ukraine.

She had fallen in love with the English language in elementary school and had started studying it much to the surprise of her family and friends. She always felt her destiny was to come to the United States. In 1998 she placed her profile online which caught the eye of Steven Sargent who began corresponding with her. After visiting Helen in Ukraine a few times, he decided to bring the family to Utah. They were married on Helen’s birthday in 1999. She dearly loved her husband who was with her until her last moments. He was her biggest fan and supporter throughout their 22-year marriage.

Helen was an extremely talented and motivated individual. She was always willing to try a variety of new things. She was an accomplished seamstress, artist, ice skater, painter, actress just to name a few of her talents. As a teacher, she was always admired and loved by her students and co-workers. It was common for her to go the extra mile. Helen put her whole self into whatever activity she was involved in. She was very organized and never wasted a minute of her time.

For a number of years, she organized the talent shows at Silver Hills Elementary where she worked for 18 years. She took special interest in each child and coached them to improve their performances. She will be greatly missed by students, parents and faculty.

Helen was blessed with 4 darling grandchildren who were the light of her life, and she spent every spare minute enriching their minds and making sure that they had everything they needed. She was a very selfless person and material things were not a priority for her. She would rather give of her means to those in need.

She was a beautiful woman inside and out, and always took pride in her appearance. Her energy and positive sprit were felt by those around her. Helen’s smile would light up the room and her impact will be felt by many for years to come.

She is survived by her husband Steven Sargent, son Tony (Christina) Sargent, daughter Dasha (Todd) Nordgren, her mother Tamara Dolzhenko and brother Igor (Alla) Dolzhenko, her grandchildren Alex and Paige Nordgren, Mila and Liam Sargent.

We would like to thank the ICU staff at Jordan Valley Hospital for their dedicated service in her behalf.

Services will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Rd (10600 S.), in Sandy on Saturday, August 21st at 2:00pm. A viewing will be held Friday evening, August 20th from 6:00 to 8:00pm and noon on Saturday, August 21st prior to the funeral services. Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Garden Cemetery. In respect for others during this time, the use of masks is encouraged.

To view previously held services please visit https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/WpDj8zWCvaDylMXTmXCqoEiVvm-tjcLKD3HU1XzLobPKgsPLhcD83KOL_zUpIPSB.D84UlfCnLdriKrIs?startTime=1629575110000

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.

Video

Guestbook/Condolences

Dear Steve,

We are so sorry for your loss. She seemed like an incredible woman. We wish we had got to know her better. We pray for you to receive strength and consolation.

Art and Elaine Porter

- Art and Elaine Porter

Words can't express how deeply heartbroken we are to hear of Helen's passing. She was such a beautiful person in and out. Loving, giving and always thinking of others and their needs. She had a contagious smile. She was the epidemy of a gracious host. I loved her enthusiasm. I loved listening to her talk about her family and how much they meant to her. She will be greatly missed. She was absolutely amazing and talented.

- Genice Gittins

Helen was a multi-faceted, talented and caring person. She leaves a big hole.
I worked with Helen for 10 years at Silver Hills. I taught students in special ed. One of my students wanted to be in the talent show. She said "I want to people to know that I am more than just a student in this class." Helen held this student to the same expectations she had for all the others. (Thank you, Helen!) Recently this student had the opportunity to meet with Helen and thank her for believing in her. I hear that Helen even gave her a few geography lessons. I hope that the emptiness you feel is eased by the sweet memories you hold.

- Connie Sniegocki

Steve and family,

My condolences to you all. I am so sorry you have lost your loved one. Praying for you to have peace in the future.

Love,
Carrie Nielsen Poulson and family

- Carrie Nielsen Poulson

Praying for peace at this time for you and your family. You are in our thoughts and our prayers as you deal with this hole in your heart. Thank You for being such awesome neighbors. Helen will be greatly missed.
Love,
The Lurkers

- Bob and Myra Lurker

Dear Steve,
I met Lena when she was just started corresponding with you and at that time I was corresponding with my now husband Brad.This was 27 years ago.We did talk to each other and shared thoughts about American men and life in general.I remember she was very exited about you and was unpacking a package you sent her with Estee Lauder makeup amoung other things.I have your wedding pictures she signed and sent to me .We used to live in AZ then.Ee are in TX now for last 17 years.I just learned of her death and this saddened me. Helen was a person full of life and the world will miss her for sure.She was very special.

- Viktoriya Epperson