Helen Peckham

With a tender, loving heart, Helen Peckham devoted her life to those she held most dear. She was always willing to lend a hand, and go the extra mile when there was a need. When she gave of herself, she did so with everything she had. Helen's sentimental spirit was only matched by her giving nature. With a compassion all her own, Helen's absence in the lives of those who knew and loved her will never be the same.

Following the end of World War I, the 1920s emerged as a decade of economic prosperity rich with optimism and innovation. The stock market soared, and people everywhere were brimming with hope as the infamous Roaring Twenties was news of the day. Nestled in the thriving riverfront city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Samuel R. and Georgie (Young) Fredericks had special news of their own when on March 18, 1927 they announced the welcome birth of their daughter, Helen.

Raised on their family farm in the community of Lowell, Helen's father was a hard working farmer who supported their bustling household of seven children. Helen grew up alongside her siblings, Grace, Paul, Charles, James, John, and Alan while her mother looked after them as a homemaker. Throughout her life, Helen remained quite close to her siblings. Times were tough when the Great Depression cast a shadow of economic hardship, affecting every family from coast to coast. Helen's family was no exception, but they pulled together and made do. She attended the local schools through the tenth grade which was quite common for the times.

As a young woman during World War II, Helen met a handsome U.S. Army soldier who swept her off her feet. Likewise, William Peckham was quite enamored with Helen, and before long they became a couple. After dating for a short time, they were united in marriage on May 29, 1946 following his discharge from the service. They didn't take a honeymoon, and as newlyweds were eager to set-up house in Helen's hometown of Lowell.

In time Helen became a devoted and loving mother to three fine sons. William was born in 1946, George Robert came along in 1947 and Thomas completed their family in 1953. She made a wonderful home for William and their boys, and Helen could not have been happier. Family vacations were often enjoyed in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and trips to Tennessee. Many memorable holidays and special occasions were shared together over the years where Helen always seemed to make things extra special.

Helen was a good parent, and her loving, protective nature was typical for a mother of three adventurous young boys. Even as they grew older, her concern for them never wavered. Although at times very strict, she disciplined with motherly love which served her sons well. Many favorite foods were enjoyed in their home lovingly prepared by Helen's hand. She was a great cook, and a few of her family's favorites included her delicious cabbage rolls, cherry cobbler and homemade oyster dressing. She herself included fish as her favorite, along with morel mushrooms and tomatoes.

With the Vietnam War waging overseas, Helen was one of many worried mothers who had to send one of her young sons off to war. Although she fervently prayed for his well being, her son, George Robert, was killed in Vietnam in 1968. It was a very difficult time for her and her family, but with strength she had no choice but to continue on. In 1987 when her beloved husband, William died from congestive heart failure, Helen clung to her sons for the comfort she needed. Photographs of her husband and sons were always her most cherished possessions.

From the time she was a small child, Helen's faith played a vital role in her life. She attended Orchard Hill Reformed Church where she grew in her faith and shared many friendships. In her free time, she enjoyed knitting, and was quite handy when it came to crafts. For many years she lived at the Alpine Mobile Village where she spent quite a bit of time helping out in the park office and loved getting to know some of her neighbors. She liked the sounds of country music, but spending time with the family she loved brought her the greatest joy. Her caring nature was evident when she helped take care of her brother, Jim until his death.

Loving, kind and caring, Helen Peckham went to be with her Lord on Thursday, December 8, 2011 at the age of 84. Always to be remembered, she will be sadly missed.

Helen is survived by her children:, William and Judy Peckham, Tom and Pat Peckham; ten grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; brother, Raymond (Alice) Frederick; sister-in-law, Joyce Frederick. The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM Monday December 12, 2011 at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, 851 Leonard St. N.W. Friends may visit with her family on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the funeral home. Contributions in her memory to American Heart Association or American Cancer Society would be appreciated. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to view her life story film, submit a memory, photo, and to sign her online guest book.