Helen Joanne See

In 1946, Helen Papineau was working in a drug store when two guys came by. They were both looking for tickets to the big game at the local high school and one of them suggested that Helen, who hadn’t graduated yet, might be able to get them a good deal. She did—even though neither of them really knew the first guy, and the second guy didn’t say anything the whole time. That second guy caught her eye, though, and it turned out she’d caught his, too. He managed to track down her phone number, and the first time Helen and Bill talked was when he called to ask her out. Only two things stood in their way: Helen already had a date, and so did Bill. They both decided to see them through. But they also knew neither of those dates stood a chance. So fortunately for all of us who love them (though perhaps not for those unnamed dates), Helen and Bill lost no more time starting their lives together after that. Their first date they stayed out so late Helen’s mom sent her dad the next morning to tell Helen off. (His only reaction: “Don’t let it happen again.”) Helen and Bill were together ever since. They got married on September 25, 1948. And Helen remained the cherished wife to Bill for the next 75 years.

Those decades brought them many years together in Dearborn and Livonia, to Charlevoix where they loved best, and finally back downstate last year. Helen became the much loved Mom to Bob (Kathy), Tom (Lori), Karen, and Kim (Jack). Thirteen grandkids and their spouses and significant others called her Nana. And she was Great-Nana to 22 great-grandchildren—and counting.

Helen’s legacy after 94 years shows through in her deep strength (some might say stubbornness), her humor, her faith, and her commitment to her family. Helen was surrounded over the past weeks and months by that family, who love her deeply. In her last days she thanked God for all of them—and also for that high school football fan who brought a certain stranger into her drug store all those years before.

Rest in peace, Mom, Nana, and Great-Nana. We love you.