Helen L. McMillan

McMillan, Helen Hemlock, Michigan On May 28, 2016, God called Helen home to her heavenly reward for a life well lived. Helen was an example of how our Lord wants us to live and serve Him. Helen Louise (Coughlin) McMillan was born on August 7, 1921, to the late John (Jack) and Helena (Nothelfer) Coughlin. She was the oldest of her four sisters: Margaret (Sanford), Flossie (Trim), Jackie (Bell) and Dorothy (Garety). Can you imagine the time Jack had in the presence of all these girls? Well, that did not stop Jack and Helen (Lena) from doing a remarkable job raising these loving women. Helen was always in poor health, especially after her appendix ruptured when she was two years old. We feel God didn't take her then so that she could bring us joy and be a reminder of His love. She attended Sacred Heart School in Merrill. During the Depression, she helped her family by working for friends and neighbors in the area babysitting and helping with household chores. She also worked in restaurants. It was at Fritz's restaurant that she met her husband, Cy McMillan. She often tells the story of how they met: He came to the restaurant asking for a pine float, and she was tickled to learn that the float was nothing more than a toothpick and a glass of water. Thus, the romance began, and on June 14, 1941, they were married. Their marriage lasted until March 4, 1985, when Cy passed away. She lovingly cared for him for several years due to his declining health. Together, they raised two daughters, Muriel and Susan. Unfortunately, they lost a daughter, Rose Mary, when she was approximately three weeks old. Although Helen never worked outside the home during her marriage, she labored numerous hours a day providing for her family. Cy was deployed with the Navy during World War II and the Korean Conflict. She told of the struggles of keeping the family together, noting it was especially difficult when she didn't hear from Cy for long periods of time. She would also go for six months without pay. She was especially thankful to Mr. Fuller who owned a grocery store in Hemlock and extended her credit and told her not to worry about when she could repay him. (Another angel of mercy.) After her daughters married, Helen baked birthday and wedding cakes. She also made the best darn bread and was always eager to give away her baked goods. She will be remembered for her kindness and generosity. Helen was a member of St. Mary Parish in Hemlock and its Altar Society, as well as the League of Catholic Women. Helen's faith in God and love for others never failed, even to the end. We wish to give a special thanks to Dr. Nikoli Kinachtchouk for his compassionate care given to Mom and also to Homewatch Care Givers who handled Mom's care with loving hearts and professionalism and Hospice of Michigan Helen is survived by son-in-law John Murphy and children: Bernadette (Bryan) Miller, John (Laura) Murphy, James (Teresa) Murphy, Michelle (Jerry) Scott, Matt (Katherine) Murphy, and Michael Murphy. Helen's daughter Sue (Art) Ontiveros also survives her along with children Colleen (Mike) Strader, Chris Monk, Kelly (Luke White) Monk, Veronica Ontiveros, Alisa (Chris) Schmoak, and Andrew Ontiveros. Helen was also blessed with 20 great-grandchildren and another expected soon as well as one great-great-grandchild. Also surviving to cherish her memory are two sisters, Flossie Trim and Dorothy (Bill) Garety, as well as many nieces and nephews. Helen was predeceased by a daughter Muriel Murphy, sisters Margaret Sanford and Jackie Bell, a special sister-in-law Madeline Howe, and several brothers- and sisters-in law. Funeral Liturgy will take place 11:00 a.m. Thursday June 2, 2016 at St. John XXIII Parish, (St. Mary's Church) 151 St. Mary Rd. Hemlock. Rev Dennis Kucharczyk will officiate. Entombment will follow in St. Andrew Mausoleum. Friends may call at the W.L. Case and Company Funeral Chapel 201 N. Miller Rd. Wednesday from 2:00 to 5:00p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. where family and friends will meet for a parish vigil service and then at the church from 10:00 a.m. until mass. Those planning an expression of expression of sympathy may wish to consider St. John the XXIII or St. Jude's Children's Hospital. www.casefuneralhome.com

Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company
201 North Miller Road
Saginaw, MI
United States 48609