Helen C. Caron, age 50, of 322 Wisconsin Avenue, Gladstone, MI passed away Sunday morning June 17, 2007 at home following a lengthy illness with cancer.
Helen was born December 25, 1956 in Escanaba the daughter of Joseph and Frances (Samadrol) Prestay. She was raised in Powers and was a 1975 graduate of the North Central High School. Following graduation, she attended Michigan Tech University in Houghton where she received her Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering.
Helen was united in marriage to Clyde P. Caron on May 14, 1988 at the Gazebo at Van Cleve Park in Gladstone and they made their home in Gladstone. Helen worked for New Page Corporation for the past 23 years, where she was a Lime Kiln Operator.
Helen was a member of the Berean Baptist Church in Soo Hill. She was an avid collector of frogs and small baskets. She enjoyed golfing, bowling, and fishing, was a fan of the painter Thomas Kincaid and was known for her exquisite needle point. Above all else, she loved traveling with her husband in their 5th Wheel and treasured spending time with her family.
In addition to her husband Clyde, survivors include:
Mother: Frances Kleikamp of Powers
Daughter: Diana (Jonathan) Hooten of Lubbock, TX
Step-son: Jack Caron of Hudsonville, MI
Brother: William (Lori) Prestay of Powers
5 Sisters: Elizabeth (Phil Mayfield) Gumbert of Zion, IL; Carol (James) Quist of Carney; Theresa (Thomas) Rogers of Bark River; Judy (Tim Petersen) Prestay of Zion, IL; Tina (Allen) Belongia of Powers
2 grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins
She was preceded in death by her father, Joseph in 1975 and her sister, Nancy in 1991.
Helen
Anonymous
We are so very sorry for your loss.
Teri and Sean Kingston
Tucson, AZ
To the entire extended family, we send our deepest and most heartfelt sympathy. Though we only knew Helen briefly when she came to visit in Illinois, her spirit was always a ray of sunshine. Ever smiling, she would bring joy with her.
We continue to keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Forrest and Carolyn Powell
Monterey (previously Zion, IL), TN
Dear Family Members,
My deepest sympathy to you all. I have added all of you to my prayer list to help you through this difficult time. In Feb. we found Ken had colan cancer and is now going through chemo for 6 months. It’s difficult for all the family dealing with cancer. Sometimes we wonder why things lkie this happen to such a wonderful person, but let God guide you all and keep you close to help each other.
Thinking of you,
Ken and Pam (Naser) Kirschner
Called Debbie (Popelka) Pirlot and she sends her sympathy also.
Powers, MI
My cousin Helen and I really only knew each other for a couple of years in high school. We played in the band–she on baritone, me on tuba–and we went through Mr. Sheski’s math classes, Mrs. Harris’ English classes, and raced each other on the old fashioned typewriters in Mr. Van’s class. I was lucky to have her in my life at that time because that’s what eventually reconnected us through the internet: a website listing our North Central class. I was privileged to be able to speak to her over the phone the past couple of weeks and I’m proud to say we have our own saint to pray for all of us now. Her courage was beyond imagining. Her gracious acceptance of her disease, the treatments, and the finality renews my faith. And, even from this distance, I grieve with our family at her loss and I morn the years in which circumstances kept us from knowing each other better. I hope someday to meet her daughter, Diana, who she said was everything to her, her pride and joy.
Barbara Gorzinski
Tacoma, WA
Dear Clyde, Diana, and Jack,
Helen was my best friend in elementary, junior high and high school. We shared many long bus rides to and from school. I have many great memories from our friendship. In reading through the memory tributes and obituary, I am reminded of Helen’s many attributes; her exquisite needle point – she always did like to sew. She tried teaching me to no avail. I also learned some new things about Helen. Helen was a great person. Although you will miss her,I know you have memories that will get you through the sad times.
Love to you all,
Wendy Peters
Newton, WI
For Helen: I remember your smile, your twinkling eyes and your warmth. You will surely be missed. I know that you are with our Heavenly Father now and pray that your loved ones will hold on to the promise in scripture that says, “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. No more pain and sadness.” (Revelation 7)
Our deepest sympathy to the family of Helen.
Cecil & Elsa DePas
Wilson, MI
Clyde and family,
my thoughts and prayers are with you in this needing time. I will miss “Helen Honey” as I called her that everytime I seen her. She was a great lady. Keep the faith as she is in a lot better place now, and is at peace.
David L. Johnson
Escanaba, MI
Clyde and Dee Dee, What can I say, but that my heart and prayers go out to you both. I imagine Dale and Helen have already connected and are looking over all of us. I’m sure there is a plan that God has worked out as to why he needed them at this time. Which I guess means there is more for us to do here before we can join them. At this time, I am sure, you, like me, are having a hard time figuring out that plan. We must just trust in the Lord that our loved ones are happy and safe and waiting for us.
I am so glad we got to celebrate Helen’s birthday with you all. She was so, so happy and surprised.
Love and prayers to you both and I will see you at the services.
Mary Lou Nelson
Menominee, MI
Clyde and family, You have our deepest sympathy. We will include Helen in our thoughts and prayers. My Dad and Helen were both great people who are loved and will be missed by many. Take care. Time doesn’t make all our grief go away, but time does make it easier to go on.
Steve and Cota Nelson
Ishpeming, MI
I was saddened to learn of Helen’s death. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Melissa Sherman (DeCaire)
Avondale, AZ
Clyde, Mom, Liz and Family,
I know that Helen is safe and in the loving home of the Creator. She fought a good fight and now will take care of you. Know that she and the others that have gone before her welcome her and all will watch over and protect you. God is a good God, and I know that she will be remembered with Love.
My thoughts and Prayers are with you all. And I bet she is already on the Golf Course or cruising the Clouds of Heaven!!! And I bet she’s already got the “Beach Boys” on her CD Player!!
Love,
Cindy Walker (Liz’s Friend)
Zion, IL