Helen Madeline Foley (Trassiano) was born on April 6, 1947 in Detroit, Michigan to John and Madeline Trassiano (Horrie). Helen is survived by her loving husband Terry, her daughters Nikki Foley (Rob Fraley) and Erin Foley, her grandsons Mason, Gavin, and Cooper Fraley, her sister Marianne Johnson, brother and sisters-in law, and two dozen nephews and nieces. She is preceded in death by her father and mother.

She devoted her life to nursing. It was a life choice rather than a profession. She worked in several specialties, including orthopedic surgery and neurology. Her favorite, though, was pediatrics where she started her nursing career. She treated every patient with compassion and grace. She was a nurse for over 40 years, but her love of taking care of people did not end with her retirement. However, her love of nursing was second to her love for her family and friends.

Helen met Terry on a blind date in 1968. Apparently, it did not go well. At the end of the night, she declined his offer to get something to eat, feigning fatigue and, instead, met her friends at a bar. She certainly had spunk. But she gave Terry another chance, and love blossomed from there. He was the love of her life. They married on August 22, 1969 and eventually built a life in Dearborn. Together for 57 years, they raised their two daughters to be strong, independent women, just like her.

The Foley family welcomed Helen as one of their own immediately. Helen had a fierce ally in Terry’s mother Elizabeth. Terry’s 8 brothers and sisters treated Helen like a sister. Her 20 nieces and nephews built a special relationship with her, many treating Helen like a second mother to them. The family that she leaves behind have a lifetime of memories of family gatherings, golf outings, and life celebrations where Helen always played a central role.

Helen, Terry, and the girls had a blessed life with Terry and Helen’s hard work allowing them the opportunity for wonderful family vacations. Every Easter break they vacationed in Florida building memories with the same families. Every summer they traveled to a tennis resort in Canada building memories with their Canadian friends who vacationed there the same week every year. But more than just vacations, Helen, Terry, and the girls spent real time together – at the park, on bike rides, playing tennis (of course), and family dinner every night. They were active together and actively involved as a family unit. She loved fiercely and was loved fiercely in return.

Terry and Helen also surrounded themselves with friends. They played competitive tennis for years. They spent countless summers playing tennis at the YMCA. They played at the Dearborn Racquet Club and the Fairlane Club – building a tennis family with their daughters and their friends. Eventually, their group focused more on golf but never lost their love of tennis.

Helen especially built a family of friends with her tennis and golf “ladies”. They became a band of sisters, celebrating their achievements and the milestones of their children. They spent years together playing tennis and golf, attending bridal showers and weddings, and celebrating the birth of babies and a new generation of tennis players.

Then came her grandbabies Mason, Gavin, and Cooper. They were the light of her life. As babies, she couldn’t get enough hugs, kisses, and tummy time with them. As they got older, she followed all their sporting events and academic achievements. She was so proud of them and cherished every special moment she was able to share with them.

A few years ago, Helen and Terry bought a house on Lake Columbia in Brooklyn, Michigan. The lake brought her such peace and happiness. She made the house beautiful. She always had an eye for decorating, making both of her homes lovely and comfortable – a place to snuggle in and spend time together.

She was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease seven years ago. It took a terrible toll on her body. She wasn’t able to live her life to the fullest anymore. Eventually, the effects of the disease became too much for her to bear. Ever the nurse, and always in control, she asked to die at home. After two weeks of care at home with the help of Angela Hospice, she died peacefully on May 5, 2026. Terry, Nikki, and Erin held her hand as she took her last breath. Finally, she is at peace.