I first met Helen when, as a recent divorcee, I rented a room in her house for wayward men. We quickly became like family, to the point that I was assigned chores like yardwork and cleaning the kitchen floor every Sunday night.
Eventually we moved into different homes but remained close. I fondly remember her inviting me up to stay some weekends at her place, during which I painted her rooms....hmmm, I'm detecting a pattern here.
Of course I was always invited to holiday dinners....provided I stayed at the sink scrubbing and washing until everything was put away. Damn, how could I have een so blind. I was a male Cinderella!
Seriously, Helen was like a second mother to me. Some of my favorite times were hanging around in her kitchen well into the night sharing stories. It always seemed to be getting late but no one ever wanted to break up the conversation because we were enjoying it too much.
She connected easily with people. If she was in a store and heard someone speaking in an accent not common for the area she'd approach them and tell them how lovely they sounded and find out about their background.
Helen could easily be described as a real dame. She had the same style and force of personality that movie stars like Lauren Bacall or Ingrid Bergman had (look them up kids. Today's stars don't possess half their charisma).
I'm probably closing in on the 2000 character limit so I'll end by saying that my life was better for having her in it and while she can't be replaced she will never be forgotten.
Written without the help of ChatGPT.
David Thompson

I will miss the many phone calls my Aunt Helen and I shared. I will miss the sound of her voice and the way she used to say my name, Sometimes she would call me Madelyn, but for the most part she called me Lyn.  The laughter and crankiness we conveyed became habitual, and  sort of a  cathartic moment.  

Aunt Helen may you have peace and  no pain, may you mingle  around with our passed loved ones and have a ball !!I love you so much and glad I had you as my Aunt.   Grace forever.  Love your niece, Madelyn (Lyn) .

PS  My favorite expression of her’s , (which I do a pretty good imitation of) ,  was the famous:  “Wait a minute,  wait a minute. Are you telling me…Yes my beautiful Aunt, I am telling you  - be full of grace and empty of pain.  Oh and could you say “HI” to my Dad for me:

Be Free

I miss you terribly Mom- My heart is broken 💔
Love your daughter Michelle

I miss you so much Mom💔 I’m heartbroken 💔

My deepest condolences to my cousins and their families in this time of loss.  Your mother/grandmother was a wonderful woman and she will be greatly missed by all.   Love, Joanne

We are glad we were able to visit with Aunt Helen and the rest of the family back in 2014.  It was wonderful to get to know her and our California relatives better.  We remember with great joy and appreciation how welcoming Aunt Helen was and the laughter and good times we all shared.   Love and hugs, from Joanne and Peter.

Despite the years and distance, I always felt accepted, loved and missed by my Aunt Helen  The occasional cross coastal visits, and long, warm phone conversations in between will be sorely missed. She was a courageous & stubborn fighter til the end. Many loving hugs to all my west coast family & relatives for their loss. A mass will be said for her on Saturday, October 12th at 5 pm EST here in MD.  How I wish I could say my last goodbye in person, as well.

Love to my cousins and all their family. Thinking of you and sending our love. Barbara & Ralph.

I will always remember Aunt Helen for her vitality, sense of humor, love for life and style. Never afraid to tell you how it is...you just couldn't help but love her for it. Now as she joins my father and her sisters, I picture them around some grand piano with aunt Ruth on the keys and all of them singing as loud and proud as can be (not necessarily always in tune).  Happy memories.

Nana and Sawyer at their college graduation

American Cancer Society 

St.Jude Children's Research Hospital 

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Miller Jones Menifee Memorial Park & Mortuary

Robert Dummitt - Son-In-Law

Wayne Ouellette - Son-In-Law

Michael Dummitt - Grandson

Raymond Knox - Grandson

Sawyer Knox - Grandson

Austin Steele - Grandson

Helen Serrett

OBITUARY

Helen Madeline Serrett

19 December, 1937 – 30 July, 2024

Miller Jones Menifee Memorial Park & Mortuary

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