Helen Schreiber

Helen F. Schreiber was a strong-willed woman who lived her life by being an example of a caring and devoted mother. Helen was a constant in the lives of those who knew her, very dependable and loyal. Her family was the center of her world and she devoted as much time as possible with her grandchildren.

The 1920s were a decade of plenty in the U.S. The younger generations began to see the world in a new light and fancy cars and flapper parties dominated the upbeat lifestyle of the American jet set. While in a small farming community of Manchester Township, Michigan, George and Osa (Beemer) Matteson welcomed to their family a daughter, Helen, born on March 19, 1921. When Helen was young, George moved his family to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he owned and operated a music store on Bridge Street. Helen would stay in Grand Rapids throughout her formative years, attending grade school there and graduating from Ottawa Hills High School in 1938. After high school Helen worked as a telephone operator.

Helen was an avid bowler and a very skilled one as well. She became very competitive and went on to win the Michigan State Bowling Championship. It was during her bowling league days that she met a handsome young bowler named Rollie Schreiber. They were both smitten with each other from the start and their love for one another blossomed. Rowland and Helen exchanged vows on February 22, 1947. They treasured 35 wonderful years together before Rollie passed away in 1982. They experienced great joy with the addition of three children, Gary, Linda and Donald, to their family. Helen adored her children and she played an active role in every phase of their lives. Although she worked part-time as a bookkeeper and secretary outside the home, she never left the house in the morning until the children were off to school. She returned home again in time to feed her crew lunch and then sent them safely off to school once again. The children never came home to an empty house. Helen made sure to be home before they arrived. It was only after they were grown that she started working full-time at Steketees as an auditor. She enjoyed her job and also liked the “employee discounts” she received on their merchandise. She eventually retired at the age of 70. Even after they were older and had their own families, Helen’s children could always count on her for encouragement and comfort through their difficult times.

When it was time to relax, the family headed for their cabin cruiser which was docked near Lake Michigan. Although Helen would grumble about having to pack everything up and lug it to the boat for an outing, she grumbled even more when it was time to go home. Helen enjoyed sitting in the sun being surrounded by her family and friends. These were truly cherished times for her. The boat was also enjoyed as the party spot for Helen and Rollie and their many friends. Though it was technically a “cabin cruiser”, it rarely left the dock and when it did it was for short trips to nearby beaches where everyone could enjoy swimming, a barbecue and the open air. Unfortunately, when Rollie passed away, Helen sold the boat and started spending more time with her family at home.

Because Helen grew up during the Depression, she learned early on the value of hard work and not to take anything for granted. This was some times a hard lesson for her children to learn when she was very frugal with her money. They fondly remember trying to sway their mother into giving them a nickel to rent a locker at the swimming pool or a nickel for a simple snack from the corner store. This proved to be quite a challenge.

It was the simple pleasures in life that Helen appreciated the most. She enjoyed time away, but she couldn’t wait to be home again in her own space. When relaxing, Helen liked to work crossword puzzles. She was always looking for a good challenging puzzle and she was well equipped with her large collection of crossword puzzle dictionaries in case she got stumped. She also enjoyed watching games shows, especially the Price Is Right. She appreciated music by Mitch Miller and Lawrence Welk and liked to watch reruns of the Lawrence Welk show. Helen was not especially fond of cooking, although her family says she is an excellent chef. She came to appreciate it more after cooking for her family over the years. Her specialty was spiced meatballs with her homemade chili sauce. Helen often enjoyed the company of her family and friends at Stoney’s where they served her favorite food, a wet burrito.

Helen often spoke fondly of some very close friends, Lois and Wes Vincent and their family, who lived across the street. They shared so many wonderful times with her and her family growing up. Although they have both passed away, the Vincent’s hold a special place in their hearts. Helen’s grandchildren all loved their "Grandma", “Nana” or “Nana Honey”, as they affectionately called her. She loved her precious grandchildren and spoiled them, as any loving grandparent would. In turn, her grandchildren looked up to her and thought she was the greatest all the way around.

Helen F. Schreiber passed away on Thursday, December 25, 2003. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rowland Schreiber. Surviving are her children: Gary and Maryann Schreiber, Linda Schreiber, and Donald and Rose Schreiber; her grandchildren: Wendy Schreiber, Adam Schreiber, Andy and Heather Schreiber, Matt Schreiber; her great grandchildren: Denell, Jeremy and Kristen; her sister, Barb and Jay Muusse, her nephews and nieces: John and Beth Muusse, Julie and Ron Cross and several cousins and Trina.

A service celebrating Helen’s life will be held on Monday, December 29 at 11 a.m. at the Van Strien – Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield N.E., with interment to be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. For those who wish, contributions in memory of Mrs. Schreiber, to the Association for Retarded Citizens would be appreciated. Mrs. Schreiber reposes at the funeral chapel where relatives and friends may meet her family on Sunday, December 28 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. You can read Helen’s life story, make a memorial contribution or leave a memory at www.lifestorynet.com. HERITAGE FUNERAL SERVICE, Life Story Funeral Homes

Helen lived life to the fullest as a loving mother and grandmother. These memories become treasures of the heart. She will be greatly missed.