Helene Marguerite (Caruso) Bixler

Helene Marguerite Bixler passed away peacefully exactly one month before her 101st birthday in Milton, Georgia surrounded by love. Born on September 1st, 1924 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Helene was raised on Schermerhorn Street in Brooklyn, New York.

A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Helene was stationed at Cherry Point, NC and served her country during WWII. Her career spanned as a school teacher, an associate with Hall Brothers, and a buyer with JC Penney until her retirement. After retirement, Helene volunteered with Emory St. Joseph’s Hospital cath lab where she met the love of her life Bob Roughsedge.

Throughout her life, Helene called many places home, including Brooklyn NY, Lexington, Frankfort and Covington, Kentucky, The Doric in Union City, New Jersey and Dallas, Texas before ultimately settling in Atlanta, Georgia so that she could be close to her family. She was a cherished neighbor of the Deerings community, where her warmth, wit, friendship and fondness of Friday night pizza made her beloved among neighbors and friends.

Helene was incredibly independent and lived in her own home until the age of 100. She spent the last year of her life at The Phoenix at Milton, where she was showered with love by the staff and fellow residents. Her family is deeply grateful for the care and dignity she was given during her time at The Phoenix at Milton.

Above all else, Helene, fondly known as “Mimi” and “Bunny” was devoted to her family. She is survived by her loving sister, Delores Berge; her daughter, Nebby McMahon; her grandchildren, Todd Watermolen (Christine), Katie Eckman (Robert), and Sara McMahon (Christian); and her great-grandchildren, Madalyn, Desmond, and Ruby.

Helene loved deeply, laughed often, and left a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to know her. Her absence will be deeply felt, but her presence will live on in all of us.

The family will be holding a private memorial at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tunnel To Towers Foundation.