Please share a memory of Helen

I remember Helen as wonderful mother – how do you remember her? This is a memorial space for you to leave your condolences or share a special memory. Simply type your comments where it says LEAVE A REPLY.

About the author: Tracy

33 comments to “Please share a memory of Helen”

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  1. Nahoko Honda - January 8, 2022 at 2:49 pm Reply

    Hi, Tracy

    I am deeply sorry to learn of your mom’s passing. Please accept my sincere condolences.
    I understand this is a very difficult time for you, but I hope that the precious memories you have built with your mother will stay in your heart and turn your sadness into healing.
    I am sure, you and your mom are connected and feeling each other wherever it is.
    Please feel free to let me know if there is anything I can support you.

    Love and Hugs, Nahoko

  2. Rita Warner - January 8, 2022 at 3:02 pm Reply

    I am so, so sorry, Tracy. Your mom did adore you from the moment you came to her, and you always made her so proud. She was a wonderful aunt, also. Always happy to play with us kids, always laughing and making us laugh. Aunt Helen was everyone’s favorite aunt.

    This is difficult news that you have to share.

    Love, Rita

  3. Funmilayo Akinyosoye - January 8, 2022 at 3:09 pm Reply

    I am so sorry for your loss, Tracy. She was a truly kind woman. I am thankful for the opportunity to have met her. I am sure she is smiling up there.
    Tracy, I pray the Lord comforts you and grants you the fortitude to bear this loss. May He also grant Helen’s soul rest and peace.

    Funmi

  4. Theresa Hanrahan - January 8, 2022 at 3:35 pm Reply

    OMG! She was wonderful, fun and loving Aunt! My namesake And Godmother [theresa helen]. She will be always Loved and Missed! If you need to talk or anything give Me a call.

    Love you cuz! – Theresa

  5. Susan Brooks - January 8, 2022 at 3:41 pm Reply

    I am very sorry for your loss. Your memories of her will bring a smile more often than a tear some day. Know she is past fear and pain and happy again.
    I am always here for you.
    Love Sue

  6. David Duffey - January 10, 2022 at 3:44 pm Reply

    Dear Tracy,

    I am so sorry to hear of Helen’s passing. No words can begin to comfort you at this terrible time. I wouldn’t presume to try. But I do want you to know this. Sue absolutely adored and loved your mom. I know this because she talked about Helen and their special relationship many times. Sue would occasionally joke about all the eccentricities of the unique Allen clan. But for Sue, Helen was always set apart. As a child, Sue said she wanted to be Helen. For Sue, Helen was worldly, glamorous, beautiful, smart, funny, sweet and kind. Always fun, always upbeat and positive. She drew people in and was that person that everyone wanted to be around.

    These words are not mine. These are Sue’s words. I heard these words. I personally knew Helen only in passing. I know that she had a presence that few have. She made you feel at ease, like friends who had known each other for years.

    As I sit here writing this, I have another thought. I said that Sue wanted to be Helen as a child. I realize now that her life modeled that. All the qualities that she had seen in Helen were the qualities that set Sue apart. Other than the worldly part.

    Helen is with God. Sue is there. They all are there. Talk to God. Lean on Him. He will help you.

    Stay happy and healthy.

    Dave Duffey

    • Karen (Burdette) Mackenzie - January 15, 2022 at 8:32 am Reply

      It is SO sad to hear of Helen’s passing. She was a wonderful nurse to many new mothers. Also a great mentor and role model to newer nurses as myself. She was a Proctor gem. She spoke of her daughter Tracy with such love and admiration. She is a blessing. Prayers to Tracy.

  7. Alison Hammerton - January 13, 2022 at 10:02 am Reply

    We are so sorry to hear of Helen’s passing. We enjoyed getting to know her and caring for her. She was such a warm, friendly, smart, accomplished woman. Our deepest condolences to you and your family, Tracy.

    Alison, Lesley, Jill, and DeAnna
    Interim HealthCare

  8. Marcine - January 14, 2022 at 2:07 pm Reply

    Tracy, your mom was a wonderful Aunt to me!! We shared a profession and I always appreciated her encouragement. We didn’t see each other often but when you all came to NJ we would always get so excited to see you all. Your mom was always the life of the party!! The stories, the laughs, the food, everything!! Her memories will be with me forever. I loved her so and will truly miss her. Love you and please come visit us all, we would love it!! Hugs and kisses. Cherish the memories!!

  9. Vickie Blankenship - January 14, 2022 at 3:15 pm Reply

    I feel blessed to have met Helen and enjoyed her wonderful sense of humor, her love of nature, watching the birds and squirrels together and listening to stories of her exciting life. Her death has left a void and sadness. I will miss our weekly talks and hugs and I love you’s to each other. She missed her husband so I’m sure they had a joyful reunion. Tracy, helping your mom to stay in her own home was the best gift you could have given her. It’s exactly where she wanted to be. Helen loved you very much and was very proud of you. You did your best to honor your mom’s wishes. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to help her also and get to know and love her. I’m praying for God to give you strength and comfort in this time of deep loss. In deepest sympathy

  10. Dody Norman - January 15, 2022 at 2:38 am Reply

    I was privileged to meet her last November and become one of her caretakers. We shared a lot of her memories and the pictures are the icing on the cake..she was beautiful…what a catch! Helen will be missed, but now she is back with the love of her life, Teddy.

  11. susie - January 15, 2022 at 4:21 am Reply

    I worked with your mom at Proctor Hospital. I will never forget her love and care she gave the babies. She spoke with great love of you. She was a wonderful giving, caring lady. Susie boniger

  12. Michele Stewart (McClellan) - January 15, 2022 at 5:48 am Reply

    Helen, was a wonderful woman who I loved from the moment I met her which must have been in 1978 or 1979 when I worked at Frostys. That was my first job as a high schooler and it was so much fun.

    Then in 1987 and 1988 I delivered babies at Proctor. It was the best experience to have her care for us then. She truly loved people and people were drawn to her because of that! I remember she had such high energy which was amazing. You felt as if you were the most important people on the wing when she was nursing.

    I would see her in later years and it was fun to reconnect although it’s been many since that has happened.

    My condolences to you, Tracy. Your mother was one of a kind! Her life is a legacy of giving and caring and service. We should all take note and do the same.

  13. Kathy Lippert - January 15, 2022 at 8:53 am Reply

    Tracy, I am so sorry for your loss. As you know, I worked with Helen at Proctor for several years. She was a such a good nurse, and I always enjoyed working with her. Her stories of her earlier life, and meeting your Dad were so interesting! She had a wonderful sense of humor, and I loved her laugh! She was also a good listener, and whenever I had concerns about something, whether it was work-related or personal concerns, Helen was always a good person to talk to. I remember her referring to the newborn babies as “boobalinkies”. I never asked her how she came up with that word, but I’ll always remember it. She loved each of those little babies as if they were her own. I hope that you will be comforted by many wonderful memories of your Mom. She was a treasure, and I feel blessed to have known her!

  14. Janet Lanier - January 15, 2022 at 9:50 am Reply

    Dear Tracy,

    You’ve created a beautiful tribute to your mother. She led a most interesting and varied life but you meant more to her than anything or anyone and for that you were greatly blessed.

    I was outside at dusk a little while ago, looking at the nearly full moon and thinking about Helen being up there somewhere, reunited with her parents and siblings, and wondering how much she can see now, not just of the moon but of the entire universe!
    The moon often makes me think of loved ones for some reason and now I think of Helen too. I feel her absence from this world and it makes me sad but I hope she knows only joy.

    I feel for you in the loss of such a loving mother, Tracy. I pray that you find comfort and that you feel Helen’s presence around you. You were as wonderful a daughter as Helen was a mother.

    Love, Janet

  15. Regina Curry - January 15, 2022 at 10:06 am Reply

    Tracy,
    So sorry to hear about your mom. You wrote a wonderful tribute about her. She was truly a fascinating lady. I have a lot of fond memories of both your parents from working at Frosties.

    Love,
    Regina Curry

  16. Kathy Lippert - January 15, 2022 at 12:24 pm Reply

    Thank you Tracy. I did see your Mom’s obituary in this morning’s paper. 😢 I sent Facebook messages to some of the people from Proctor that had worked with Helen, in case they didn’t get the newspaper.

    Helen was an absolute joy to work with! It was always a good day, when I was scheduled on the same shift with her. She was so much fun, and an excellent nurse. And she loved those little babies so much!

    She had a great sense of humor, and her laughter and the look on her face when someone told a bawdy joke was priceless. I can’t tell you how many times she and I laughed until happy tears ran down our faces over some joke ,or something goofy that one of the doctors or patients had done or said.

    And I know that she loved your Dad so much! She looked so forward to him coming down on the train, and would talk about what she planned to cook for him. It was always something far more delicious and elaborate than any of the rest of us had planned for dinner!

    She was a gem, and I am blessed to have known and worked with her. I truly loved her!
    Take care, and stay safe! -Kathy Lippert

    • mary Brennan - January 17, 2022 at 9:23 am Reply

      Tracy,
      so sorry for your loss of your Mom. I worked with Helen at Proctor for many years and she was a wonderful nurse and colleague. Helen had a wonderful smile and laugh. She loved all those babies she cared for in the nursery! She spoke of you and Teddy often with much love. I enjoyed reading her Obit…Helen had a great spirt for adventure. Mary Brennan

  17. Marianna Long - January 16, 2022 at 8:15 am Reply

    Tracy
    I remember Aunt Helen, Ted, and you visiting on occasion in Middletown, Ohio. Those visits were fun and exciting for me and my mother would be in such a good mood, she loved Helen. After too many years of not seeing each other I am thankful we reconnected.
    James and I had such fun visiting Helen and Ted in Peoria. We all piled in the car and Ted drove us around Peoria while Helen pointed out areas with special memories.
    Helen was so fun, such a joy to be around.
    I will miss our phone calls, hearing about what birds are visiting today, how she doesn’t like the cold and is planning on moving to Florida or California. However, she was most comfortable in her apartment. You did a fantastic job of keeping her independent and happy.
    I will always remember Helen’s joyful, positive personality. She was much loved.
    Love,
    Cousin Marianna and James

  18. Barbara Szala - January 17, 2022 at 6:18 am Reply

    Tracy, I will always remember your mother having fun!
    Auntie Helen loved to laugh and brought joy to everyone who had the chance to laugh with her. I can still see her and my mom (Tracy, your Auntie Helen) doing the silliest things to get the “ball rollin'”, as they would say.
    In recent years, our visits were on the phone. She wanted to know all about what everyone in the family was up to. And with so many of us to run down, those calls were never short…always more fun.
    Auntie Helen, I will miss our telephone visits, but I’ll cherish those conversations and know that you are looking in, from wherever you are, on the antics of our crazy family…and having a good laugh.
    Robert and I send loving wishes and big hugs and kisses to you, Tracy. We’ll continue those conversations…

  19. Janie Beharelle - January 17, 2022 at 9:34 am Reply

    I worked with Helen for many years at Proctor on the maternity ward. She was so much fun to work with and was so good to the babies in the nursery. She had a great personality and always helped her coworkers out if they needed it. We used to joke about Helen taking her glasses off and on during report but she didn’t seem to mind us laughing about it. I’m sure she will be sadly missed by everyone that knew her. She touched many lives.

  20. Bill Honneus - January 17, 2022 at 6:32 pm Reply

    Very sorry to hear about your mom. I remember meeting her for the first time on one of my many trips to San Francisco when she and your father came to visit you. It was very nice spending time with both your parents that day. They were both full of life and seemed to very much enjoy spending time with you. I am saddened knowing that your mom is no longer on this earthly plane, but also take some comfort in knowing that she’s in some other place reunited with Ted and those other folks you mentioned, and that you will also feel better knowing that she is there. Sending some prayers and thoughts for you and your family during this difficult time.

  21. Randal L Gordon - January 18, 2022 at 5:54 pm Reply

    So sorry to hear of Hellen passing. Always enjoyed talking with her when visiting doing repairs on her apartment. Looked forward to visiting. RIP💞

  22. Dan Allen - January 19, 2022 at 12:09 pm Reply

    A most vivacious and beautiful lady with her signature infectious laughter!!!
    EVERYONE’S FAVORITE!!!

    Danny Lee (Allen)

  23. Nancy Potter - January 21, 2022 at 11:33 am Reply

    Tracy,
    Sending prayers and hugs your way as you go through this difficult time.
    Your mom was a very special lady, a great nurse and friend. Even though we didn’t get to see you much, everyone knew who Tracy was. Your mom spoke of you frequently and loved you very much and was so proud of you. She was very fortunate to have lived such an adventuresome life and with the love of her life, Teddy.

    Trusting in God’s promises, I know your mom has found perfect peace in Heaven and we sill see her again one day. May your heart be filled with sweet memories of your mom as they will fill the hearts of all who knew her. ❤
    Love, Nancy and Kirk Potter

  24. Lynn Kelch - January 25, 2022 at 12:34 pm Reply

    Dear Tracy,
    I want to extend my sincere sympathy to you and Matthew. Your Mom was a gem to work with. Everyone LOVED Helen! Patients would ask if she was working because she was so kind and helpful to them. She treated everyone like family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers as you grieve your loss.
    Love, Lynn Kelch

  25. Janet Callahan - January 30, 2022 at 10:19 pm Reply

    Oh Tracy I was so saddened to hear about Helen. We had so many good times together working at the hospital. She was so loved by her co-workers and the doctors. She was such a joy to be around. She so loved her family and talked about you and Teddy often. May you find peace in the days ahead Tracy. Just want you to know how proud your mother was of you. May she now Rest In Peace. She will forever be in our hearts ♥️

  26. Patricia Doherty - February 26, 2022 at 7:42 pm Reply

    I love these pictures of your mom and Dad.

    They had a beautiful lifelong journey that I was privileged to be part of. Your father was a First Lieutenant in the Air Force when he met your mother. They were assigned to the same Logistics office at Nouasseur Air Base in Morocco. He did not let your mother out of his sight from the day he set his eyes on her. Every evening, at dinnertime, your father was with her. They had sixty-three years together. She was the love of her life and his reason for living. He couldn’t live without her.

    -Patricia Doherty

  27. Denise Allen - March 19, 2022 at 9:30 pm Reply

    Dear Tracy,
    I am so sorry to hear about Aunt Helen. I will always remember her beautiful smile from her nursing graduation photo. She inspired me to be a nurse…every time I saw her picture at Grandma Allen’s home…I wanted to be like Aunt Helen. I wish I could have visited with her before she passed and I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my prayers. I will plan to attend the Memorial Service for Aunt Helen.

    Love,
    Denise Allen

  28. Kelly Deterding - April 18, 2022 at 2:38 pm Reply

    Dear Tracy,
    Thank you so much for letting me know of your mom’s passing. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Helen and I worked together at Proctor in the mid to late 1980’s on the OB floor. I loved Helen. We kept in touch these many years at Christmas time following my move to MN and then WI. I always looked forward to receiving her handwritten note with updates.

    Helen was such a fun co-worker and a loving nurse. She took care of my own babies when they were born at Proctor. As many before me have mentioned – it was always a fun shift when. you worked with Helen.

    Her family was her center and we loved hearing stories about you and your dad – she was so very proud of you.

    My deepest sympathy to you,
    Kelly Deterding

  29. Shauna Smith - June 20, 2022 at 11:46 pm Reply

    Dear Tracy,
    I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful mother, Helen. You should be very proud of how you were there for her so much in her later years, when she really needed you.

    I never had the pleasure to know this lovely person. I can see so much resemblance between mother and daughter, looking over the photos that you posted. She was clearly full of life, and a joy to be around. She will be dearly missed by many.

    Showering comfort over you, and I do think of you very often!

    Peace, Love, and Hugs to my dear friend.

    Love, Shauna

  30. Shauna - January 5, 2023 at 5:46 pm Reply

    Remembering Helen today, one year after her passing.
    Tracy, I hope your fond memories of her are helping to ease the pain of her loss.

    Love,
    Shauna

  31. Shauna - November 19, 2023 at 3:52 pm Reply

    I enjoy looking at this beautiful site you built for your beautiful mother.
    Blessings, Tracy.

    Love, Shauna

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