Helen Becker

Helen Becker was a native of Moran and St. Ignace and a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Church in Moran, where she helped with the Hunters Dinner for years. She was noted for her cooking abilities, pies in particular, and helped her nephew, Paul Neelis, at the Northern Lights Restaurant in St. Ignace for many years. She quit working in the restaurant at age 84, only when failing eyesight forced her to do so.

Mrs. Becker died Thursday, January 25, 2007, at Mackinac Straits Hospital Long Term Care facility.

She was born in Cheboygan June 6, 1918, to Lawrence and Ellen (nee Trudeau) Neelis. She married Chester Becker November 4, 1937, at Immaculate Conception Church. The couple lived much of their lives in Moran. She known to many in the area as "Aunt Helen," friends said, and will be remembered for her pleasant, loving personality.

Mrs. Becker is survived by her daughters and their families, Theresa and Wayne Jarvie of Rudyard, Yvonne Loetz of Cumming, Georgia, Treva and Dale Immel of Newberry, Brenda and Ron Coffey of Rudyard, Veronica Foster of Lansing, 13 grandchildren, and 29 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband July 22, 1995; a brother, Carl Neelis; two sisters, Lillian Cyphers and Stella Becker; and a son-in-law, Mitch Foster.

Services were Monday, January 29, at 11 a.m. at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church, with Father Norbert B. Landreville officiating. Parish prayers took place on the evening of Sunday, January 28, at Dodson Funeral Home, with Deacon Donald Olmstead officiating. Visitation was from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Pallbearers were Brian, Dale, and Tony Immel, Ronnie, Lee, and Scott Coffey, Ben Loetz, Nicholas Foster, and Gary Bosley.

Spring burial will be at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, where Mrs. Becker will be laid to rest beside her husband.