Helen Young

In a fast-paced world where it seems as though life's daily hassles consume much of our time, so few are the people that really take the time to embrace the hearts of their family and friends and all of life's simple pleasures. Helen Marie Young was one of those people who no matter what was happening around her, never forgot to bask in the joy of everyday life. Helen found so much happiness in being a mother, grandmother, wife, and friend, and never got so caught up in today that she forgot about all the days that came before. Whether it was a friend from long ago or a far away place in time, she always took the time to remember and, more importantly, to care.

The year 1922 was a year of marvelous events. Across the world, British Egyptologists George Carnarvon and Howard Carter unearthed King Tutankhamen's tomb, while here in the United States, the Lincoln Memorial was dedicated and the first issue of The Reader’s Digest was published. Raymond and Marguerite (McCluskey) Burns were living in Osceola Township, a small community in the north central part of Michigan, in 1922, and awaiting a marvelous event of their own – the birth of their first child. Helen Marie arrived on a blustery February 6, 1922. As the next few years went by, Helen was joined by sisters Margaret, Janice and Bernadine and brothers Donald, Jim, Joseph, and David.

The family moved to Pinckney, Michigan where they ran a small dairy farm, and were members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pinckney. Helen attended St. John’s Elementary School in nearby Howell, and when not in school, did her share of chores on the farm. As the Depression hit in 1929, Helen and her family were better off than most. They had their own food, and with all the kids having chores to do, the farm ran smoothly. Being the oldest, Helen probably had more responsibility that the others, helping her mother raise, feed, clothe and care for her seven younger siblings.

Tragedy struck the whole family when Helen was 16 years old. A fire destroyed everything they had – barn, livestock, farming equipment – but left the home untouched. With the farm basically gone, the family had no livelihood, and in those days, no insurance. With no means to make a living, Raymond and Marguerite had no choice but to send the five older children to live with relatives spread throughout Michigan. The three youngest stayed with their parents and Raymond was eventually able to find work.

Helen went to live with her aunt, Ella Fitch, in Ann Arbor where she was able to continue her schooling and graduated from St. Thomas High School in 1941. After graduating, she found a job at King Sealey Manufacturing, as a secretary. While living in Ann Arbor, Helen met a handsome carpenter named John Young, who was building houses in the area. After dating for a few months, knowing they had found the love of their life, the couple was married on June 27, 1942 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Howell. Both were just 20 years old.

The newlyweds set up housekeeping in Ann Arbor, ready to start their new life together, but Uncle Sam had other plans. John was drafted into the Army and was sent to Ft. Hood, Texas for boot camp. Helen, who was now pregnant, went along with him. When John received orders sending him overseas, Helen moved in with his parents. John had also come from a big family of six boys – five of whom were in the service – and four girls. When it came time for the baby to arrive, the only brother not drafted drove her to the hospital.

Besides John ‘s family, Helen also had a support group called the “Jolly 18. The group was made up of 18 wives who got together on a regular basis to uplift and support each other while their husbands were away. Wonderful friendships were established that continued even today, with friends coming from all over the country.

Following the war, Helen and John built a home across the street from his parents and John found a job with the Gulf Petroleum Company in sales. They later moved back to Pinckney, buying a home near Portage Lake, and became members of St. Mary’s, Helen’s home church. Helen was very active in St. Mary’s and served as altar society president for several years. Now settled, Helen and John began adding to their family. John, Jr. had been born in 1944, and in 1947, daughter Anne Marie arrived, followed by Richard in 1949, David in 1953 and Michelle in 1958.

When John got a new job with General Motors as a foreman, the family moved to Grand Rapids in 1962, buying a home on 1061 Burke, NE and becoming members of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church.

With both Helen and John coming from large families, it was always fun to get together with everyone. The family often took camping vacations to Grand Haven, Muskegon and Ludington. Christmases were the best. Helen would decorate the house from top to bottom and presents were piled high beneath the tree. Having both been poor as children, Helen and John wanted better for their own kids. Sundays were always a big dinner day, and with so many friends and relatives, you never knew who would be at the table. A priest came most Sundays, along with members of their families. Helen loved having her family around and enjoyed filling their plates with delicious food.

When the kids were all in school, Helen took a job at Steketees in downtown Grand Rapids as a saleclerk. She remained at Steketees until the store finally closed its doors for the last time. But as busy as she was, Helen always had time to support her children, going to their sporting events and cheering them on. They were big supporters of Catholic Central High School and as the years went by, Helen continued to go to every home game, even if she had to go by herself. She was very proud of her children and lovingly pushed them to higher and higher levels, striving to succeed in whatever they did.

As her children began having children, Helen’s family grew and grew. Sometimes their yearly family reunions would number over 200 people and Helen loved every minute. She often cooked, serving one of her wonderful roasts, potato salad, followed by pies or strawberry shortcake. Even Halloween was an occasion to get everyone together – all dressed in costume.

John retired from General Motors and then drove school bus for a few years. Finally, they sold their home on Burke and bought a condo in Beckwith Hills, wintering in Ellenton, Florida where they had bought a home in 1989. However, John was diagnosed with a brain infection and he and Helen returned to Grand Rapids for treatment. Life got more difficult when Helen developed heart problems around the same time. She needed to have a valve replaced and while she was recovering, her beloved John died on April 12, 2001.

Helen was able to return to the condo, but as dementia slowly took over, she moved to Whispering Woods assisted living. Recently, a tumor was discovered in her chest and in November 2008, Helen was placed under hospice care. She passed away Saturday evening, November 22, 2008 at Whispering Woods, with her children by her side.

A dedicated and loving sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Helen loved her family with all her heart. Proud of her Irish heritage, proud of the achievements of her family, Helen will be remembered not only for the wonderful person she was, but for the wonderful memories she left for us all.

Helen Marie Young, aged 86, of Grand Rapids, was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, John L. Young and her brothers, Donald and Jim Burns. She is survived by her children, John (Marjorie) Young, Anne Marie (Alan) Johnson, Richard (Laura) Young, David (Jane) Young, Michelle (George) Williams; 15 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren; her sisters and brothers, Margaret (Dominic) Conklin, Joseph (Gerry) Burns, Bernadine Fry, Janice (Robert) Hoffius, David Burns; sister-in-law, Barbara Burns; many other sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday Nov. 26, 2008 at 11:00 AM at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 224 Carrier St. NE (please meet at the church). Burial in Fairplains Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet her family at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – VanStrien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield St. NE, on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM with the rosary prayed at 7:00 PM. Contributions in her memory may be made to Catholic Central High School Athletic Fund. To leave your own memory of Helen and to sign her guest book, please visit her web page at www.lifestorynet.com