Helen Alberts

With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around her, Helen Alberts fully embraced each day that lay before her, even when trying times came her way. She was a kindhearted and gracious woman who was completely selfless in her love for others. Helen was a devoted wife, loving mother, and dear friend who was never concerned about what she had, rather, it was all about being with those she treasured. Her courage and strength were an inspiration to all who were within her reach. A gift to others, Helen will be dearly missed while her memory is forever cherished. Nestled within the vibrant decade of the Roaring Twenties was the year 1922 that was full of noteworthy events. This was the year that the Lincoln Memorial was dedicated and more than 500 commercial radios stations were on the airwaves. Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh continued to explore the world of flight while automobiles that had become more affordable led to an explosion in road construction. The year 1922 was a year to remember in the lives of a young couple from Muskegon, Michigan, for a much different reason as they were pleased to announce the birth of their healthy baby girl on June 19th. Helen Lorraine was the second of four children born to her parents, Alvin and Charlotte (Osborne) Raddatz, and was raised in the family home in Muskegon alongside her older brother, Robert, and her younger sisters, Marilyn Mimi and Charlotte. In many ways Helen experienced a typical childhood. Much of her free time was spent with her close friend, Nancy Smith, who would remain a lifelong friend. Helen took dance lessons and was a student at local schools. After graduating from Muskegon High School in the late thirties, Helen found work at a local bank. During the early 1940s the nation was transformed by our involvement in WWII, and Helen became engaged to several young soldiers who sadly didnt return from the war. Shortly after the war ended, Helen did meet a soldier named Al Sterritt who had returned from the war. They fell in love and were married, but unfortunately he developed some mental challenges as a result of his experiences in the war. The marriage fell apart after a few years. Ready for a fresh start, Helen moved to Virginia where her mother and sister, Char, were living. Helen moved in with her mother there and began working as a bank teller. It was while there that she developed a long distance romance with Averill Alberts who worked at REA Express. They were introduced through relatives, and Helen got to know him when she had to send a package while he was working the counter. As their love continued to blossom, Helen eventually returned to Muskegon. The couple was married in November of 1959 and settled into a house on Isabella in Downtown Muskegon. This would be the place that Helen would call her home for over 50 years. Together she and Averill were blessed with the birth of their son, Steve, in 1960. As a family they enjoyed vacations to Ohio to visit relatives and Helens childhood friend, Nancy. They also looked forward to visits from her sisters and brother, which happened on a regular basis. Although caring for her family was her main focus, Helen also enjoyed keeping busy with other things that she enjoyed. She stayed home to focus on raising their son during his younger years, but once he was older and in high school she went back to working part-time as a bank teller until she retired. Around the house Helen could often be found reading, which usually meant a romance novel or perhaps a good mystery or crime novel. She also liked watching sports on television and was an avid fan of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. As she got older Helen was faced with some challenges at times. In the 1970s her husband underwent major Aortic surgery and later developed diabetes that eventually affected his daily life. Helen spent these years tenderly caring for him and was deeply saddened with his death in 1988. She continued to live on her own and later developed a close friendship with Louis Wasserman. They were great companions who very much enjoyed spending time with one another. In 1998 Helen suffered a stroke, which later left her unable to walk and in need of a wheelchair. With the help of family and friends, Helen was able to continue to live on her own. Her son also reconfigured her house so that she could live all on one floor. She even battled colon cancer during this time and was victorious, too. When she eventually needed more help Helen moved into University Park Nursing Home where she settled in to her new surroundings as best she could. Dementia slowly crept in during her sunset years. Throughout her rich and rewarding life, Helen Alberts created a brilliant mosaic of memories with her many friends and loved ones. When reflecting on her life we find that happiness is not found in what we have, but that it is in the moments we share with others that we find true joy. Helen cherished her family and numerous friends and offered her unconditional love in abundance to all who were within her reach. She will be dearly missed but never forgotten. Helen L. Alberts died on Friday, January 3, 2014. Helens family includes her son, Stephen Alberts of PA; sisters, Marilyn Mimi Williams of FL, Charlotte Connell of VA. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Averill and brother, Robert. Visit with Helens family and friends on Friday, 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon. A grave side service will be held in the spring. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.