Marilyn “Toogie” Helmke Newman passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at Larry’s Lakehouse, an assisted living facility in Fulshear, Texas. She was 87. Toogie is survived by her sons Ja (Betty) Newman and Dan (Becky) Newman; grandchildren Kristy (Jay) Miller, Alexandra (Sean) Buckley, Lauren (Paulo) Dorado, Marilyn (Sebastian) Hellebuyck, James (Kaitlyn) Newman, Chase (Abigail) Newman and Sam Newman; great-grandchildren Grant Miller, Cataleya Hellebuyck, Calliope Dorado and Mayumi Dorado; her brother August George (Kathy) Helmke III; and many other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Shirley Reynolds Hearne and August George Helmke Jr., her brother, J. Homer Helmke and sister-in-law, Inez Helmke.
Toogie was born on October 8, 1937, and spent her childhood and school years in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She attended St. Joseph’s Academy and later graduated from Baton Rouge High School in 1955. A talented athlete, she especially excelled in basketball, earning a spot on the 1952 All-State team—the first sophomore from St. Joseph’s Academy to receive that honor. As a young adult, she landed a wonderful job opportunity with Honeywell, which led her and her family to Houston, Texas.
She embraced life fully and loved everything it had to offer. Toogie was energetic, always on the move, and full of spirit. Her nieces and nephews remember their Aunt Toog with great affection. They describe her as “a powerhouse of a woman,” and recall, “I will always remember a spirited woman who inspired me as a boy.” One nephew shared, “As a child, Houston meant nothing but adventure - Aunt Toog, my cousins, and whatever our imaginations could dream up. Usually, reality was far better than imagination!!!” Others fondly describe her as “generous, fun-loving, doting, spirited, strong-willed, opinionated, caring, and cool.”
The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Rod Hardman, Justin Hardman, Tracey Peters, Nikita Penn, and all of the caregivers at Larry’s Lakehouse. We are deeply grateful for the care, compassion, and love you showed Toogie and our family. Your support means more than words can express.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Baton Rouge, LA, from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Baton Rouge, LA. (https://sacredheartbr.org)
