Helen was born in 1922, in Pennsylvania, one of 9 children. There, she enjoyed the beautiful rivers, keeping score while her brothers played baseball, and spending time with her sisters. After moving to Michigan, Helen nannied, and then worked as a beautician at Charm Beauty Shop in Detroit, which her sisters owned. She proudly self-colored and curled her hair through her nineties.
During WWII, Helen served the country by riveting B-29s at Briggs Manufacturing – she was proud of her brothers who together represented each branch of the service. She met her future husband, Russ, a sailor, dancing at Graystone Ballroom. They corresponded via letter through the war and were married in 1944 while Russ was on survivor’s leave. She mothered seven children.
Later in life, Helen enjoyed visiting with her 19 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren. She prayed the rosary daily for all she loved. Helen loved to play bingo, a hobby that enriched her life with many friends. She celebrated the small things in life: a flowering plant, a card with a musical feature, a warm cup of coffee. Her joy in life was most evident as she laughed and clapped while dancing a polka, even at age 96. Helen will be remembered for her flowing cursive handwriting, embroidery stitching, knowledge of pop culture, and love of her family, country, word searches, three musketeers, and the occasional piwa.
Helen is survived by her husband, Russ, six of her children, 18 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren. She is predeceased by her parents, siblings, son (Michael) and grandson (Patrick).
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St. Jude Children's Hospital262 Danny Thomas Place•, Memphis, TN 38105
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