After graduating from high school, Helen married the love of her life, Michael(Mike) Martin on September 25, 1937. Helen & Mike later moved next door to her parents at 910 East 92 Place, Chicago, Illinois, where they were members of St. Peter and Paul Church where Helen was a member of the choir. All 3 wonderful sons were born in Chicago & raised in the Church. Wayne was born in 1941; Michael Leslie (called Les) in 1946; and George in 1952.
In 1956 Mike & Helen sold their home in Chicago, piled into their new station wagon & drove cross country with 3 young boys. They were a courageous family.
They settled in Van Nuys where Mike later had his own Chevron gasoline station & Helen work at Lockheed Aircraft as a lead lady. She sung in the Lockheed Chorale Club, which continued until 2002. Helen was a featured soloist. One of many songs she sang was her favorite, "Red River Valley" which she could belt out until close to 90 years of age.
Mike & Helen were very proud of their 3 sons, all of whom were college graduates: Wayne, a fire protection engineer; Les, a beloved & respected agricultural teacher; and George, a real estate entrepreneur.
Helen loved to gamble & play BINGO. They would frequently travel to Vegas to have fun, a hobby Helen continued into her 90's.
The Martins were proud grandparents to Laura (now Wild), & John Martin, Wayne's children. Later Helen rejoiced in the birth of her second granddaughter Sarah Martin, born to George & his wife Christine.
She bragged to all that her 3 grandchildren were college graduates.
Tragedy struck in 1980 when Mike was felled by a heart attach & died. He is buried in San Fernando Mission Cemetery. Unexpectedly, Helen's second son Les died in 1982 & is buried near his father.
The Martin family had been active in St Elizabeth of Hungary Church in Van Nuys & Helen continued as a participant of the church community. It was at church that Helen met her second husband John J. (JJ) Murphy, when he stopped in the church parking lot to help her repair a damaged tire. Before long, they were wed and continued an active social life. How Helen loved her Friday Bingo at the Bernardi's Senior Center. During this time, Helen's 3 beautiful & talented great grandsons arrived: Shay & Trevor Martin born to grandson John & his wife Connie Martin. They were soon joined by great grandson Gabriel Wild, born to granddaughter Laura & her husband Tim (or Timmy as Helen loved to called him) Wild.
John Murphy died in 2000 & is buried in San Fernando Mission Cemetery.
Helen loved to travel, going to Europe, New England, & twice to Hungary, her ancestors' homeland. One trip there was with her mother Rose, her teen age son George & her sister-in-law Helen Kovacs, her daughter Rosemary, & Helen's mother, Mary. The two Helen's each purchased a car in Europe & toured the countries in fine fashion. Her second trip was in 1992 with son Wayne & his wife Barbara.
Helen was honored by her extended family at 3 birthday celebrations: her 80th, 90th, & 95 birthdays.
Helen led a full & active life up to her 96th year. She lived alone, handled her own "paperwork" & finances, drove all over town, traveled, enjoyed the Senior Centers weekdays. She loved to party & eat out, spending the last 10 years celebrating Mother's Day at the Santa Monica Jonathon Club & the Castaways Restaurant with Wayne & Barbara along with Barbara's daughter Laura & her family. Helen loved the desserts there, especially the Bananas Jubilee.
On February 26, 2013 one day before her 96th birthday, she was admitted to Valley Presbyterian Hospital where it was determined she had suffered a stroke & other injuries.
Helen passed on into Jesus' arms surrounded by her loving sons Wayne & George & their wives Barbara & Christine. Father Michael from Our Lady of the Sea attended her with last Holy Rites.
She lived a full & happy life & will be sorely missed.
We love you Mom, Grandma Helen, Great Grandma, Matriarch and dear friend.
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