Mary Helen Carper

Helen was born to Edward and Mae Teasdale and raised in Ontario Canada.  She attended the University of Guelph Nursing school and after obtaining her RN certification, decided to travel with her nursing school class.  Her travels led to Melbourne, FL where she met and married Edmond Carper on August 18th, 1956.  They lived in Melbourne for a while, then moved to Cleburne, TX, ultimately settling in Hollywood, FL in 1963.  

Helen worked as an RN for Memorial Healthcare and then became a homemaker.  She was an active member in Hollywood Hills United Methodist Church since 1963.  She volunteered for the church’s thrift store, snow fest, administrative work and was active in fund raising activities.  She was also a member of the Beta Sigma Phi service sorority, holding various positions over many years.  She was nominated and won “woman of the year” many times.

She loved her family, her life, and her sense of adventure is a legacy she leaves behind for her children and grandchildren.  She moved to Ocklawaha, FL to spend time with Marianne and her family and then to Birmingham to spend time with Lynda and her family.

Helen is preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Mae Teasdale, brother Gordon Teasdale, husband Ed Carper, and grandson Tristan Coy.

Helen is survived by her loving children and their spouses: Marianne Coy (Barb) and Lynda Knight (Kevin).  She is also survived by five grandchildren, Logan Coy (Bianca), Thomas “Tag” Shaw (fiancée Baylee Vasquez), Ashlyn Coy, Dalan Coy, and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Shaw.  She is also survived by one great grandson, Aiden Coy.

Her funeral service is July 3rd  at Fred Hunter’s Funeral Home in Hollywood.  Visitation will be at 10:00 am followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m.  Rev. Larry Bergstrom, a former minister at Hollywood Hills United Methodist Church, will preside.

The family of Helen Carper wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the compassionate and caring team of Compassus Hospice Suites in Irondale, AL.  Their amazing team did an exceptional job in caring for Helen and her family during this time.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Compassus Living Foundation, Irondale location or to Hollywood Hills United Method Church in Helen’s memory.