Helen Louise Garman

Born on September 12, 1932, in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of George and Edna Newcomer. On April 4, 1953, Helen married the love of her life, Ronald D. Garman. Their 54-year marriage began in New Cumberland and, after Ron returned from the Korean War, they moved to Florida where he attended the University of Florida to earn his degree in architecture. After graduation, they settled in Plantation, where their family grew with the arrival of three daughters: Ronda Linn (1956), Kristen Lee (1959), and Karren Lou (1962). In 1963, they moved to Satellite Beach in Brevard County, and in 1964 they joyfully welcomed twin girls, Donna Leigh and Darlene Louise. In 1971, seeking a larger home for their growing family of seven, they moved to Indian Harbour Beach, where Helen remained until Ron’s passing in 2007.

Helen devoted herself fully to her family as a loving stay-at-home mother. She was deeply involved in her daughters’ lives—serving as a scout leader, keeping score and announcing at softball games, and faithfully driving them to every activity. While their girls attended Satellite High School, both Helen and Ron were very active in multiple school clubs and the band boosters. They even opened their home so that the club could build homecoming floats in the front yard.

Helen always found ways to keep herself busy. One of her greatest joys was sewing and crocheting. She made most of her girls’ clothes and her own, along with countless outfits for their Barbie dolls and baby dolls. She lovingly knitted and crocheted hundreds of baby blankets, booties, and caps for the neonatal unit at Holmes Regional Medical Center. She made sure every great-grandchild received one of her handmade Christmas stockings, and every family was blessed with one of her beautiful handmade quilts. Her love of sewing and needlework continued until shortly before her passing.

In addition, Helen had a gift for arranging flowers and proudly created the floral arrangements for several of her daughters’ weddings. In her later years, she volunteered as a Pink Lady at the hospital and worked the polling places on election days.

Her church life and church family were also a vital and joyful part of who she was. Helen found great happiness in serving others and remained actively involved in all aspects of ministry throughout the years.

Beginning in 1980, her daughters began to marry, and their family of seven blossomed into a large and loving extended family. Over the years, Helen’s heart was filled with the arrival of grandchildren and then great- grandchildren, each one bringing her joy.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband Ronald; her parents, George and Edna Newcomer; her brother Robert; her sisters Jane, Sara, Esther, and Nancy; and two grandchildren, Sydney Ramirez and Corey Ramirez.

She is survived by her five devoted daughters: Ronda (Bill) Gunn, Kristen (Allen) Falkner, Karren (Jef) Beeman, Donna (Randy) Ramirez, and Darlene (Gary) Cristofaro. She will be missed by her seven grandchildren—Nicole (John), Matthew, Brad (Lindsey), Derek (Sarah), Brett (Tammy), Kelsey, and Dominique—and her six great-grandchildren: Johnny, Caitlin, Emberly, Kinsley, Sianna, and Mia. Helen will also be lovingly remembered by her many dear friends and her beloved furry companion, Rylee, who faithfully shared her life for more than 13 year.

No public memorial service is planned. The family will gather privately to celebrate Helen’s life and the beautiful legacy she leaves behind.