Helen was born on Sun, Nov. 7, 1920 at Providence Hospital in Detroit. Her parents had moved there from Toledeo where her grandparents and cousins lived. She was an only child, in fact, was to be the only grandchild on her mother's side of the family. Her family rented, rather than owned the houses they lived in. She moved once or twice a year, so she had to change school constantly. But she ended up at Cooley High for 4 years and attended picnic reunions each summer.

Helen's first church affiliation was, as a teenager, at Ward Memorial Presbyterian Church. She was active in the youth group and choir, and began teaching after school Bible Clubs. Helen went on to teach Sunday School for 30 years.

Her first date was with her future husband, Arnold. It was at a circus. After a year's engagement, they were married in June, 1941. Arnold worked in a war plant and was not drafted until after their second daughter was born. After serving in the army corps for a year, he then returned to the home that they had bought. True to her resolve to give her children roots, she lived in that house for 33 years, even after Arnold's death when Nancy was 17 and Chris 15.

By then, Helen had continued her early music studies, had pedagogy classes and took semi-annual exams in Canada through the Toronto Conservatory and began teaching piano at home full-time. She had taught piano for over 50 years, making a great impact on many young people's love for music. Many students fondly remember their lessons they had taken with Helen.

During this time, Helen was involved with Girl Scouts. She first became involved by being a leader for her daughter's Girl Scout troop. She continued long after her daughter had left the organization and was awarded the Girl Scout's "Thank you Award" for 25 years of service.

Eventually, she had grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She married Frank Quinn, adding his 2 sons and 1 daughter to her family. Now the grandchildren totaled 15, and since then the great-grandchildren have added up to 13. Most live in Georgia.

Three years after Frank's death, Helen moved happily into Henry Ford Village and enjoyed the fellowship of many new friends. After being active in 3 different churches she enjoyed the interdenominational chapel at the village and the pastoral care visitation. She also created the Welcome committee". This is where she would provide new residents with maps, show them around and get them acclimated to their new home. Other activities that added to her enjoyment were: gardening, square dancing, Channel 6 video team, and playing Euchre and Dominoes.

With more time at her disposal, Helen had turned again to the piano and played with a trio and a quartet weekly. One summer, she enjoyed several days at Interlochen with the Chamber Music Conference.

Helen has been a blessing to all who know her. She became an "Icon" at Henry Ford Village. She took time to visit the sick, those that have lost a spouse and the new folks just moving into the village. She will be missed by so many.

Memorial Donations in Helen's name can be made to Camp Arcadia by clicking the link below:

Camp Arcadia