Dear Family and Friends;
I wanted to share some reflection and remembrance regarding my mother, Helen.
Born on February 28, 1945, in Minneapolis to Ray and Geneva Harris, Helen was born second as a twin to her older sister, Evelyn. Together, Ray and Geneva had seven daughters. Being the second oldest, Helen and Evelyn carried the responsibility of helping care for their younger sisters: Evelyn, Latana, Darlene, and Geraldine
Life was not always easy for the family as they navigated challenges with their parents. Later, Ray remarried Isabel, blending their family with Isabel's two children, Marlene and Ricky. Despite the hardships, family always remained deeply important to my mom.
Grandma and Grandpa Harris always said if a guest ever stopped by, there was always room at the table for a meal, and if you walked away from their table still hungry, that was your own doing.
When it came to food, Sandra and my mom challenged one another as to whom made the best bread or dinner rolls. I'd always be the one to get this going en- order so I could have some fresh-baked bread.
Mom/Helen's own life saw many chapters. She was married four times, including twice to Keith Oyos in the early 1980s. While she faced personal struggles with alcoholism during that period, her journey took a meaningful turn as she committed herself to recovery through AA. She eventually achieved her infinity chip—a powerful mark of lifelong commitment and triumph in recovery. Along this journey, she built a strong recovery family and formed cherished friendships with many most of all Claire, Anita, and especially Nikki, who became her best friend and confidant. Mom Helped raise 2 beautiful Granddaughters Jessica and Nicole after losing her beloved daughter Laura.
In the mid-1980s, Mom married James St. Clair, blending our family with Jim and his three children: Tracy, Tony, and Lonnie. She remained devotedly committed to Jim until his passing in White Earth, Minnesota, in 2021.
In her later years, Mom moved to Oroville, California, supported by her granddaughter, Nicole Michalik, who lovingly cared for her alongside Nicole's family until Mom peacefully passed away.
Today, I do not mourn my mother's passing; rather, I celebrate her life, knowing that she is at peace with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Best regards,
David R. Michalik
Helen was preceded in death by parents, Geneva and Ray Harris; husbands, James A. Michalik, James St. Clair; children, Patrick A. Michalik, Laura L. Michalik; sister, Evelyn Wegner; and half-siblings, Sandra Mahan, Edward Ray Harris-Brewer, and Ricky Hensler
Helen is survived by son, David R. Michalik; Stepchildren, Tracie, Tony, Lonnie St. Clair; Grandchildren, Taylor Michalik, Jessica Michalik, Nicole Michalik, Jeremiah W. Michalik; 9 Great-Grandchildren; Sisters, Latona Harris, Darline Harris, Geraldine Jones; half siblings, Maureen Slator; multiple cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.
Memorial service for Helen will be held on Friday, September 18th, at Gearhart Funeral Home, 11275 Foley Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55448, with visitation from 11:00am to 2:30pm and final viewing at 2:00pm.
Helen will be laid to rest at Morningside Memorial Gardens in Coon Rapids, MN.
Pallbearers will be Jeremiah W. Michalik, Vincent Hensler, Chris Peterson, Kyle Johnson, Tim Johnson, David R. Michalik, and Taylor Michalik.
