Helen L. Goergen Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

GOERGEN Helen Louise (Rogers) Helen Louise (Rogers) Goergen, 87, passed away peacefully at Kingston of Sylvania Sunday, April 19, 2009, surrounded by her loving family. Helen was born in Toledo, Ohio in 1922 to Louisa (Murray) and William E. Rogers and was raised in North Toledo. She attended St. Francis DeSales Grade School and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1940. She married the love of her life, William D. Goergen on January 8, 1944. Helen was a wartime bride who also lived in Astoria, Oregon and San Diego while her husband was in the Navy with the Pacific Fleet. She was employed throughout the years in several capacities including Bell Telephone, both in Toledo and San Diego, Prescott-Merrill-Turbin, The Lucas County Board of Elections and retired from the Auditor of State's Office. Always proud of her Irish heritage and commitment to her Catholic faith, Helen was a member of The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians and volunteered every year at the Irish Festival, as well as other activities throughout the year. Educated by the Ursuline Sisters of the Sacred Heart, Helen was an Associate at the Ursuline Center. She enjoyed volunteering and visiting with many of the sisters she had known throughout her life. She always looked forward to attending Christmas Eve Mass at the Center with her family. Helen's commitment to service also called her to participate in numerous other organizations in her lifetime including St. Agnes Altar Rosary Sodality, The Mercy Hospital Guild, St. Joseph, Sylvania Women's Club and the St. Vincent De Paul Society. She was also a member of the Salesians for over 25 years. A lifelong Democrat, Helen was a member of the Federated Democratic Women of Ohio and a charter member of the Democratic Business and Professional Women's Club of Lucas County. Through her years of service, Helen developed many lifelong friends throughout the county and state. Just a few years ago and on oxygen, she attended the Women's State Convention in Columbus. Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, and her sister, Margaret Rogers Brown. She is lovingly survived by her daughters, Colleen Goergen of San Francisco, California and Patricia (Ronald) Jardin of Sylvania. She also leaves behind three cherished grandchildren, Joshua (Angela Stevenson and Rolando) Jardin, Louisa (Dean) Cook, and Patrick (Cadie Bergan) Jardin. Helen is also survived by several dear nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; special cousin, Elizabeth Sowney and loving friend, Kathleen Piggott. Helen had countless treasured friendships throughout the years that brought her much joy and companionship. She maintained friendships from childhood throughout the years as well as making new friends at the Kingston Residence where she resided for the last six months. She was still attending luncheons at Easystreet with her classmates from the class of 1940 when her health permitted. One of her greatest joys however was spending time with her family at Devil's Lake, riding in the pontoon boat and sitting on the deck surrounded by those that loved her. The family will receive friends in celebration of Helen's life on Thursday, April 23, 2009, from 2:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the Ansberg - West Funeral Home, 3000 Sylvania Avenue. A prayer service by the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians will begin at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will begin on Friday, April 24, 2009, with prayers at the funeral home followed by a Mass of Resurrection at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Sylvania, 5373 Main Street at 10:00 a.m. The family wishes to thank Drs. Timothy and Lalaine Mattison and their staffs for their patience and tender care throughout the last several years, as well as Heartland Hospice, especially nurses, Tami and Nicole for their comfort and support during this difficult time. In addition, the family would especially like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff of Kingston Care Center of Sylvania for their dedication in ensuring Helen's comfort and dignity in her final days. Your countless acts of kindness to our mother and to our entire family will never be forgotten. Those wishing to make a memorial in Helen's memory are asked to consider the Ursuline Convent of the Sacred Heart Retirement Fund, 4035 Indian Road, Toledo, Ohio 43606. www.ansberg-west.com An Irish Blessing May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. The rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again... May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Helen L. Goergen

March 30, 1922 - April 19, 2009