hi grandma  it’s baileigh , it’s been two years and i miss you so much. i hope you’re doing good in heaven. till we meet again 

I am taking a moment to recognize and honor one the most beautiful humble souls that ever touched my life. My mother-in-law,  Helen Yaeger. Her kindness was magnetic and nurturing. Her love for her children was above all else but Jesus. Her faith and Trust in Jesus was astounding yet quietly confident.  Her arms grew fragile with each passing year, yet seemed to keep extending to embrace strangers, the hurting and the broken in her community. Her hands so small and gentle, when held by anyone who knew her would transfer a strength and beauty of a passing moment to cherish forever. Her voice faded but her ability to unceasingly express love and comfort was ever present. Her memories would come and go, and names were slowly forgotten, but she never once failed to recognize when love was in the room with her. Mama, with your passing into the arms of your Lord, I am sure you know many things now that you did not even think about before. I pray that one of those things that you now know with clarity, is the love, the laughter, the grace and the forgiveness of a heart of gold, that you provided in unmeasurable amounts to your family and friends. I also pray that you see with open eyes just what I meant when I told you over and over what a precious mom you have been to me, as well as your own beautiful kids. I hope you see the depth of what you mean to me and the void in our lives that you filled without ever knowing it or receiving any credit at all. Mama Helen, you can say your special words as often as you like - those words of your one line prayer which are now your living, proven truth; “Jesus, I trust in you.” You will always be alive in and through us. Every day, every hour. Alive and loving beyond what this life could ever hold. I love you Mama Helen. Thank you for giving yourself away to so many.

Even though I was not her grandchild by blood, you would have never known it. She was always so loving and kind and treated me the same as all her other grandchildren.  I have wonderful memories of playing at her house. She used to take us to City Park in her station wagon and drive really fast over the bridge by Morning Call so we would get butterflies in our stomach...we thought it was hilarious! As I got older, I would go visit her and she would always ask me to bring her a picture. She loved pictures of her family! She was always caring for others, young and old. She was a beautiful example of what it is like to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I know you are at peace and reunited with your love. Thank you for all the love you gave me over the years.  You will be missed until we meet again. 💕 

I first met mom Helen in 1983 when I was dating Paul. She was always so sweet and generous to me. She always wanted to feed us and fix coffee when we would visit. After I became her daughter in law, she continued to treat me and my daughter like we were her family. After Eric was born, she gladly helped us with child care when I had to work. What I remember the most was always seeing her sitting on the porch swing holding and rocking Eric when I would pull up to the house. After he got bigger and started school, she would still be sitting on her swing  caring for another grandchild. She really loved her babies!!!
I will miss seeing her when the Yaeger family gets together. I hope she prays for us as we continue our life’s journey. I’m sure she will. ❤️

When I am asked about my Mom “What memory stands out most of all?” I say, “ love personified”. My Mom put love to work through her spiritual gifts of service and mercy.  Whether she was helping someone in her church community, or spending endless nights in prayer for her family, she gave of herself without ever complaining or even a cross word. (Please read my attached letter for the rest of my story).

Visitation

Mass of Christian Burial

Committal Service

She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana to the late Thomas Peyton England and Yolande Marie Deffarge England.  She is preceded in death by her husband of 31 years, Alvin Bennett Yaeger. Helen is survived by her children, Paul Yaeger (Pam), Yolande Yaeger (Lisa), Gretchen Tassin (David), Mark Yaeger, Mike Yaeger (Elia), Steve Yaeger (Niki–deceased), cousin, Marcel Garsaud (Fleta), sister-in-law, Joyce Quave, grandchildren, Carmen Buell, Eric Yaeger, Devin Tassin, Erica Helmrichs, and, Baileigh Yaeger, along with 6 great-grand-children with one on the way.

OBITUARY

Helen Mary England Yaeger

May 28, 1933 – November 15, 2018

Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home

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