Helen Cartwright

Although Helen Cartwright valued many things throughout her life, none were more important than creating close relationships with the family she treasured so deeply. She was a devoted mother, proud grandmother, great grandmother and great great grandmother and dependable sister, who laced her days with thoughtfulness and devotion. Helen was a woman of great strength who worked hard throughout her life, but was always able to enjoy the simple beauties in life. She also persevered through trials that came her way, always remaining true to the joy that was in her heart. The Roaring Twenties was a fantastic period in our nations history, when the sounds of progress could be heard in every village and city across America. It was the birthplace of jazz, the golden age of industry and above all, a time of plenty. It was into these evolving and exciting times that Herbert Paul Harper and his wife, Gladys (Staggs), of Fountain Head, Tennessee were blessed with the birth of their beautiful daughter, Helen Opal, on March 20, 1927. Helen was the only girl and middle child of 7 children. It was hard for her not to grow up a tomboy trying to keep up with her six brothers: James, Herbert, Thomas, Perry, Herman and William. The family had a small farm in the Tennessee valley town of Fountain Head, where Helen grew up with a great appreciation of hard work. Along with her brothers, she pitched in with daily chores, though she greatly disliked when it was time to pick the strawberries and when that darn rooster would chase her. Farming was not the main means her parents earned a living though, Helens father was a teacher and also worked for the Tennessee Valley Authority, building dams and lakes, while her mother taught in a rural one-room schoolhouse. Helen was only 16 when she met the love of her life, Thomas Cartwright, who was an Army buddy of one of her brothers and stationed close by. Although Thomas was 9 years older than Helen, the two hit it off from the start and fell hopelessly in love. With the blessing of her parents, Helen and Thomas were happily married on August 16, 1943. It wasnt long after saying I do that Thomas was shipped overseas to Burma and India to serve during World War II. Meanwhile, Helen continued to live at home with her parents and completed her education, graduating from Portland High School as valedictorian, and enrolling in some nursing classes. Upon Thomas discharge from the military, he and Helen moved to Muskegon, Michigan (Toms hometown) and settled in their first home on the east side of town. It wasnt long before the couple filled their hearts and home with the joy and laughter of three children: Helen Hope (1946), Sandra Jo (1947) and Thomas (1960). Helen was a caring and devoted mother who took a very active role in every phase of her childrens lives. Family always came first in Helens heart so there were many trips back home to Tennessee over the years to visit her parents and brothers. One of her brothers was a member of the Oakridge Boys so the family would often travel to the All Night Singings where her brother was playing to listen to their gospel and country western music, which Helen loved. Besides being a wonderful wife and mother, Helen worked for over 20 years as a machinist at Muskegon Piston Ring. Tom worked for many years at Shaw Box, and as a side job, he and Helen painted houses together to earn a little extra money. In the late 1970s, Helen broke her ankle which eventually forced her into retirement. Helen and Tom were quite a social couple. They had a great circle of friends that they enjoyed getting together with and played cards. It seems Helen was a real card shark when it came to playing Poker. Tom was in a band and they enjoyed socializing with his fellow band members too. Tragically, Helen lost her beloved husband Tom unexpectedly in 1975 of heart failure, leaving her alone after 32 years of marriage. If that wasnt sad enough, she lost several more close relatives shortly thereafter. Depressed and alone, Helen moved to Georgia to be near her daughter, Hope, and her family for a while. Through the comfort of her family, Helen was able to get back into life, and joined the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, where she made many good friends working on public service projects and social functions. Her favorite pastime, however, was being a doting grandmother to her grandchildren, being their biggest fan at their sports events and school activities. Helen also became a world traveler, taking memorable trips to Florida, England, Myrtle Beach and cruises with her family and best friend, Kay Kennedy. She also returned home to Muskegon on numerous occasions with her daughter and grandchildren. One such trip turned into a month long excursion to Muskegon and a side trip to Washington, D.C. Unfortunately, the fun had to end when the clean underwear ran out and they headed for home. In her quieter moments, Helen enjoyed reading romance novels and mysteries, and watching football and the Atlanta Braves on TV. A few years ago, Helen took a trip back to Muskegon to visit her daughter, Jo, and son Tom for a few months. While here, her health began to wane and Helen ended up staying in Muskegon for good. She didnt let any health problems slow her down though, she remained independent and enjoyed visiting friends and family whenever possible. Helen was particularly proud when all her bills were paid off and she was debt free. Sadly, Helens health continued to weaken and she died a home on Sunday, August 22, 2010, at the age of 83. Helen was a loving mother and grandmother who enriched the lives of all those around her. She will be dearly missed. Helen is survived by her daughters, Helen Hope (Stephen) Sieradzki of GA, Sandra Jo (Ronald) Thompson of Muskegon; son, Thomas (Sara) Cartwright of Muskegon; grandchildren: Stephen, Season & Michael Sieradzki, Christine Brayton, Dawn Grant, David Jr. & Sean Walker, Michael & Nick Thompson, Justin, Kaylie & Andi Cartwright; 15 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren; brothers, Perry Harper & William Franklin Harper, both of TN; many nieces & nephews. Memorial services will be on Saturday, August 28, at 2:00 p.m. with visitation 1 hour prior to the service in the Clock Chapel of Clock Life Story Funeral Home -Muskegon. Please visit Helens personal memory page at www.clockfuneralhome.com where you may share a memory or sign the online guest book.