Carol Ann Helsen

Carol Ann Helsen passed peacefully in her sleep on March 7, 2015 – just four days shy of her 69th birthday – after a seven-month battle with glioblastoma cancer. Circumstances as they were, by the grace and mercy of God her peaceful passing was truly a blessing. Born March 11, 1946 to Dr. Herbert F. (Col. U.S. Army Medical Corps) & Melba Cowgill in St. Louis, MO, Carol grew up living and going to school all over the world at the many locations her father – a U.S. Army surgeon – was stationed over the years. She met and married (in 1967) U.S. Army Lt. Louis B. Helsen Jr. while her family was stationed at Ft. Sill, OK. Married for almost 48 years (with over 20 of those years in Dallas, TX), together they would have three wonderful children; Louis (III), Laura, and Deborah. A wonderful homemaker, mother to her children, life partner to her husband, and beloved “Grammy” to her grandchildren, Carol’s strength, energy, compassion, and loving spirit will always be remembered and cherished. Before her cancer diagnosis, Carol enjoyed her retirement with Louis traveling throughout North America in their RV – always with frequent visits to friends and family along the way. She is preceded in death by her parents and survived by her husband Louis, brother Robert Cowgill of San Antonio, sisters Beth Davidson & husband Bill of Tacoma, WA and Jill Leukenotte of Bothell, WA, son Louis B. Helsen III & wife Kathi of Dallas, daughters Laura Pitre of Frisco and Deborah Thompson & husband Joe of Des Moines, IA and grandchildren Ryann Helsen, Louis B. Helsen IV, Matthew Pitre, Daniel Pitre, and Nathan Pitre. Visitation & Vigil will be from 6 – 8 pm, Wednesday, March 11 with Rosary Service beginning at 7 pm. A Memorial Service will take place Thursday morning at 10 am. Both services will be held at Sparkman Richardson Funeral Home, 1029 S Greenville Ave in Richardson, TX. Deacon Bill Schuster of St. Rita’s Catholic Church will officiate services.