Marjorie Patricia Helland was born November 24, 1922 in Manhattan, New York. Pat had a challenging childhood, as she was bounced around from home to home during difficult years, but managed to keep a happy disposition and positive attitude. The passing of her younger brother was heartbreaking, as well as her first husband Tommy Kilcoyne was an Olympic diver who died during a tragic diving accident at a young age, while Pat was pregnant with her daughter Lee.
Years later, as an experienced dancer and entertainer, Pat performed on Broadway where she met her beloved husband Bob Helland and had their son Robert Allen Helland Jr, nicknamed Buddy. Pat & Bob began to utilize their combined talents over the years as a managing couple in Restaurants & Hotels.
Inseparable, Pat & Bob managed and performed at the Cliff Park Inn in Pennsylvania, The Heidelberg Restaurant and the Lago Mar Beach Resort in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
Pat also proudly worked at the Broward County School System for over twenty years and sang with the First Presbyterian Church choir, the members of which grew to be part of their extended family. After her husband, Bob of 44 years went to be with Jesus, Pat ( Grandma ) sold her home and spend the last 12 years of her life under the care of her son Buddy and daughter –in-love, Sandi in their home until she was 95 years old. Sandi Helland was grandma Pat’s friend, confidant and 24/7 caregiver right up to her final days, so that grandma could stay in her own bed, and in her own room, with the help of Trustbridge Home Health Care helping “in home” for the last few weeks.
Grandma Pat loved playing with Makayla when she got home from school and having conversations and Bible studies with Sarah. Pat also loved the Marlins and at one time knew who all the players and their families were. To say she was their #1 Fan was an understatement. She even shared the funny story of purchasing her Mercury Grand Marquis from one of the Marlins announcer’s mom and was able to tell him during a Birthday visit to the park later in life.
Even at 95, her memory of events was sharp and she could share experiences and stories, in great detail, about things that happened all the way back to the 1920s! With an unfettered sense of humor and unconditional love in her heart, Pat (Grandma) was sharing smiles and funny faces right up until the last days of her earthly life and closing the door on an amazing irreplaceable era of love, laughter and family. Pat led a full and happy life as she inspired and poured into the lives of family, friends and...“friends she had not yet met.”
Pat, will fondly be remembered as a loving Mom, a fun Grandma, and wonderful friend to all she met.
Living family include her son, Robert Helland Jr. (Buddy), his wife Sandi Helland and her Mom, Monique Raymond. Her grandchildren, Sarah Grace Helland, Makayla Joy Helland, Jennifer & Tony Pulitano, Kristen Grey & Roger Poirier. Her Great- grandchildren Dylan and Katy Pulitano and adopted son & baseball informant, Gary Baum.
A celebration of her life will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale ~ 401 SE 15th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 at 4:30pm on June 5th, 2018 in the main sanctuary. In lieu of flowers, donations to 4Kids of South Florida https://www.4kids.us/donate/give-now in Pat Helland’s name are most appreciated.
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