Helen Cahill

Helen Mae “Billie” Cahill was born on November 8, 1943 to James Robert and Jessie G. (Swimm) Bissonnette of Florida. Her parents lovingly cared for her through Jessie’s work at home and in a factory and James’ career in the military. Helen was raised as an only child because her younger sister, Joy Gabrielle, died at birth. When Helen was still a child, the family relocated to Grand Rapids, Michigan. Though her parents divorced when she was young, Helen remained very close to her mother. In later years, they even joined a bowling league together. Throughout most of Helen’s life, she lived with her mother and devoted herself to her care until her mother died in 2003.

Growing up, Helen attended St. Francis Xavier Elementary School and West Catholic High School and began to demonstrate skills on many levels. In her teen years, she won a diving championship for the city league. As a young adult, Helen taught herself to sew, and she became an excellent seamstress. Not only did she sew for herself, she also stitched many bridal dresses and bridesmaid outfits. She learned to use a knitting machine and made many beautiful items. By her handicraft, it was evident that Helen was a very gifted and artistic person.

While in her 20’s, Helen married but then divorced after eight years of marriage. She relied on her training as a hair stylist, not only to earn a living, but to launch a successful career. She had received a degree in cosmetology from LaParent Beauty School and owned and operated her own beauty salon, “The Happing Salon” on Michigan Street in Grand Rapids, near Fuller Avenue. Interestingly, her career path was the same as her grandfather’s. She followed in his footsteps as the first male cosmetologists in Grand Rapids. After 20 years of running the beauty shop, Helen taught cosmetology for three years at French Academy in Spring Lake.

When Helen wasn’t working, she was still creating. It seemed that whatever she set her mind to, she could do. She cooked almost anything. Especially during the holidays, she made breads, rolls, candies, bars and treats of many kinds. Her table was always filled with good things to eat and beautiful flowers from her garden. Visitors were always welcome and made to feel at home.

In the comfort of her home, Helen relaxed by watching interesting documentaries on television. She listened to jazz, country western music, and the golden oldies. Yet she was always ready to head outdoors to indulge one of her favorite pastimes. Helen loved to fish Lake Michigan, and she did it every chance she got.

In a traumatic series of weeks, beginning in May 2007, Helen developed neck and back pain. She first visited a chiropractor and then a medical doctor to determine the cause of her ailment. Blood tests revealed that Helen had cancer, which was spread throughout her body. She spent July at home, where she was lovingly cared for by her friend, Lorayne and cousin. On Wednesday evening, July 18, Helen was admitted to Spectrum Health – Blodgett Hospital, where she died at 8:00 on Thursday morning.

Helen will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her. She was a creative, energetic, friendly, and outgoing person who would do and did do anything for anyone.

Helen Mae “Billie” Cahill, aged 63 of Grand Rapids, passed away on Thursday July 19, 2007. She was preceded in death by her father, James Robert Bissonnette, her motherJesse Cahill and her infant sister Gabrielle Joy Bissonnette. She is survived by her close friend Lorayne Stoll; cousins, Rosemary (Terri) Isner, Rogers, J'niece Isner Schulte, Charles L. Isner Jr. and David J. Isner; other cousins and many friends. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 11:00 AM at St. Isidore Catholic Church, 628 Diamond NE. Relatives and friends may meet her family at St. Isidore Church on Monday from 10:00 AM until Mass begins. To leave your own memories of Helen or sign the online guestbook, please visit her web page at www.lifestorynet.com.