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Helen Marie Crane (Waggoner)
Born: 7/20/1923
Died: 2/8/2021
Age: 97
Community: Birch Run, MI
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CRANE (Waggoner), Helen Marie, of Birch Run, Michigan, died Monday, February 8, 2021 at the grand age of 97 years. Helen was born July 20, 1923 in Merrill, Michigan in an era when outhouses were common, telephones were scarce, and the countryside not yet electrified. Helen died in a world where even poor Americans have all the comforts of home, use their phones as cameras, and can access information from across the globe while driving in electric-powered cars. Helen’s life filled in the years between the great pandemics of the Spanish Flu and now Covid-19, a contagion she contracted and brushed aside though even in a weakened state of old age.
The firstborn child of Leo and Pearl (nee Wise) Trombley, Helen lost her mother to pernicious anemia in 1930. Helen had yet to turn seven years. At such a tender age, and at the outset of the Great Depression, Helen shouldered heavy responsibilities taking in stride the era’s dearth and want, even enduring a six-month stay in a Catholic orphanage in Saginaw with her sister, Marion, while their father kept their two brothers with him struggling to provide for his family. As a result of their collective hardships and sacrifices they came to know the things that mattered most: the steadfast love and fidelity of their father, Leo, a security that never abated and inspired their own successes raising families. In her dotage, she treasured seeing her progeny grow into productive citizens, devoted to their own families. This was but one of her legacies bestowed to us all.
Helen’s other traits included an independent streak and nurturing nature. She started working at 14, not having the luxury of attending high school during the 1930’s. She earned money sewing, ironing, babysitting all while helping on the farm. Helen made certain her sons had opportunities she did not enjoy due to circumstances. She valued education and pressed her sons to do their best. She and Robert Waggoner made the financial sacrifices to send their boys to St. Agnes and later Powers Catholic, have football and baseball cleats, mitts and every reasonable thing affording a happy childhood to five rambunctious boys. She attended their games, cheered their successes and salved their wounds. The overarching values were unconditional love, stability, security, and quick discipline whenever necessary. She had a mind and vision of her own forged by life’s experience, and not one to be deterred by headwinds, a child’s rebellion or folly. Her sons, seeing it revealed in the furl of her brow, termed this family characteristic the “Trombley T.”
Helen’s extroverted personality, buoyant and resilient spirit won her many friends in life outside of an embracing greater family. She worked for General Motors eventually retiring from the Parts Plant. Although Helen outlived most of her contemporaries, she counted many friends and associates through her sons. Before she lost her driving privileges, Helen loved to drive her car on long rides, gallivanting across the countryside, roaming freely, steering her own course. Few things made her more emotional than to see a child in poverty. And if Franklin Delano Roosevelt were placed on the ballot she would have voted for him still for electrifying the countryside. In closing on this glimpse of a long-life fully lived, dancing always brought a fun-loving smile to her face, especially a polka. She was a joy to see.
Helen is survived by her five devoted and loving sons, Robert (Kathy) Waggoner Jr., Thomas L. (Linda) Waggoner, Bruce (Marsha) Waggoner of Springfield, VA, Kevin (Frances) Waggoner and Ty Waggoner; 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild, her beloved sister, Marion Hurst, and a wide, affectionate network of nieces and nephews. Helen’s first husband Robert A. Waggoner, Sr., and second husband, L. Walter “Walt” Crane, preceded her in death as did her two brothers Roy and Dale Trombley, and a grandson, Thomas R. Waggoner.
By virtue of her second marriage to Walt Crane, Helen also has four surviving step-sons: Daniel (Diane) Crane, David (Jane) Crane, Delmar (Barb) Crane, and Dennis Crane (Stephanie), and their many wonderful and caring descendants.
A private family service will be held at Flint Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Please sign our guest book or share an online condolence with the family at www.oguinnfh.com.
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2/9/2021 |
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| Funeral Service |
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