Obituary for Helen Frances Wickens
Helen Frances Wickens, aged 94, of Holland, Michigan, passed away at home, December 19, 2018, supported by her loving family and caregivers. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Helen was a longtime resident of Manistee, Michigan, moving to Holland in 2007 to be near her youngest children and grandchildren.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Charles, in 1995. They were married in 1947 in Jackson, Michigan, near Spring Arbor where their families had grown up together. Siblings who have passed include her brother, Frank Lee, Jr. and sisters Dorothy Eddy, Joann Parks, and Harriet Bachelder.
A quiet leader, mediator and natural caregiver, Helen was a devoted sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She enjoyed playing and listening to the piano, fishing, sewing & knitting, caring for her family, and later, sharing thoughts, jokes and family photos through her computer. Gifted with common sense, a keen sense of humor and boundless grace, Helen was treasured by all who knew her. Helen was a member of the First Baptist Church in Manistee for decades before re-locating to Holland where she regularly attended Calvary Baptist Church, joining her friends in the back pews.
Helen is survived by her brother, Ted Lee, and her ten children: Nancy Wickens, Janet DeYoung (Roger), Susan Wickens, Mark Wickens (Renae), Linda Kiefer (John), Doug Wickens (Ellen), Ann Swanson (Joel), Marshall Wickens (Cathy), Gordon Wickens (Kris), and Jean Van Grouw (Bob Bouman). Grandchildren, whom she deeply loved are Sarah, Rachel, Jessica, Becky, Wesley, Ivan, Jack, Laura, Megan, Katie, Emily, Michael, David, Amanda, Beth, Jenny, Claire, Erin, and Alison. Spouses, eighteen great-grandchildren, and close family members complete what Helen once described as “not so much a family, but more of a clan”.
Helen will be laid to rest with her husband in Oak Grove Cemetery in Manistee. Her soul went to Heaven to spend eternity with her savior Jesus Christ whom she did her best to emulate. A family service will be held at a later date.
Donations may be directed to Hospice of Holland or the charitable organization of your choice.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Charles, in 1995. They were married in 1947 in Jackson, Michigan, near Spring Arbor where their families had grown up together. Siblings who have passed include her brother, Frank Lee, Jr. and sisters Dorothy Eddy, Joann Parks, and Harriet Bachelder.
A quiet leader, mediator and natural caregiver, Helen was a devoted sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She enjoyed playing and listening to the piano, fishing, sewing & knitting, caring for her family, and later, sharing thoughts, jokes and family photos through her computer. Gifted with common sense, a keen sense of humor and boundless grace, Helen was treasured by all who knew her. Helen was a member of the First Baptist Church in Manistee for decades before re-locating to Holland where she regularly attended Calvary Baptist Church, joining her friends in the back pews.
Helen is survived by her brother, Ted Lee, and her ten children: Nancy Wickens, Janet DeYoung (Roger), Susan Wickens, Mark Wickens (Renae), Linda Kiefer (John), Doug Wickens (Ellen), Ann Swanson (Joel), Marshall Wickens (Cathy), Gordon Wickens (Kris), and Jean Van Grouw (Bob Bouman). Grandchildren, whom she deeply loved are Sarah, Rachel, Jessica, Becky, Wesley, Ivan, Jack, Laura, Megan, Katie, Emily, Michael, David, Amanda, Beth, Jenny, Claire, Erin, and Alison. Spouses, eighteen great-grandchildren, and close family members complete what Helen once described as “not so much a family, but more of a clan”.
Helen will be laid to rest with her husband in Oak Grove Cemetery in Manistee. Her soul went to Heaven to spend eternity with her savior Jesus Christ whom she did her best to emulate. A family service will be held at a later date.
Donations may be directed to Hospice of Holland or the charitable organization of your choice.