Hickey, Helen

Other Events:

• Reference Number: 5018
• Obituary: 26 Nov 2008; Appleton Post Crescent

Notes:

Obituary:
Helen T. Paul (nee Hickey) "Irish" Helen Paul, of Appleton, age 78 years, passed to the hands of her Lord on November 21, 2008. She was born October 26, 1930, in Watertown, Wisconsin, the daughter of the late Leonard Hickey and Margaret (Downie) Hickey. She was raised on a farm in Juneau, Wisconsin (in her words "God's country"). On November 24, 1951, she married her sailor, Jerry (Gerard) Paul, and they were married for 55 years. She raised five children in Appleton, Wisconsin. She was a teacher's aide in the Appleton school district for many years, spending most of that time at East High School.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jerry Paul; four brothers: John, Tom, George, and Jim Hickey, three sisters: Ruth Jane (Vergenz), Margaret (Fick), and Kathleen (Bleuel), and her son-in-law, Thomas R. Barry.
Helen is survived by her five children: Therese (Windsor Tanner) Barry-Tanner of Green Bay, Julie (Dennis) Marten of Hortonville, Jerry (Leslie) Paul of New London, Lisa C. Paul (Ross Puppe) of Shorewood and Tom (Laurie England) Paul of Appleton; eight grandchildren: Colleen, Patrick, Kendra, Jenna, Hailee, Hunter, Catherine, and Jamie; her twin brother Leonard Hickey and his wife Mary; her sister-in-laws Patricia Hickey, Evelyn Hickey, Mary Hickey, and Nancy Bubolz; her dearest cousin Sister Ann Wittman, life-long friend Marguerite Wapneski, and many nieces and nephews and friends.
Helen lived a good and full life. She experienced the joy of music (from big band swing to Johnny Cash) and theater. She enjoyed nature and in the early years, she and her family spent many summers camping in a tent or "roughing it," as Helen would say. It was her idea to upgrade to a travel trailer in the mid-80s, which she and Jerry enjoyed through their retirement years, making so many friends along the way. Helen loved to travel whether it be throughout Wisconsin, to other states, or abroad. Her most memorable trips include a trip to Ireland and England with friends Marguerite and Bobbie; and her solo journey to the then Soviet Union in 1985 to visit her youngest daughter Lisa. As recent as 2002, she and Marguerite traveled with a mission group to Guatemala. Helen was very proud of her Irish heritage and let everyone know it. St. Patrick's Day was as important as Christmas and Easter to her. When her husband nicknamed her "Irish" in the 1980's, nothing could have made her happier. Helen lived her Catholic faith. She enjoyed many years and friendships as a member of St. Pius church and then St. Bernard's. She had a generous and compassionate spirit, and set the example for her children by reaching out to those in need. Helen was a loving wife, a good mother, a devoted sister, and a proud grandmother ("God love 'em!").
A Memorial Prayer Service will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 30, 2008, at the WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME, 537 N. Superior St., Appleton. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 1, 2008, at SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH, 950 Washington St., Horicon. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.
Thank you to the staff at Brewster Village as well as Heartland Hospice for your care. And a very special thanks to Helen's friends at Brewster Village for your friendship and love- Mary, Joanie, Laura, Marie, Carolyn, and Kelly.
May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow
May the soft winds freshen your spirit
May the sunshine brighten your heart
May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you
And may God enfold you in the mantle of His love. -an Irish Blessing
Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior
St.Appleton
920-739-1231
Online Condolences:
www.wichmann
fargo.com

Helen married Paul, Gerald P. 24 Nov 1951. Gerald was born 30 Jan 1929; died 22 Jun 2006. [Group Sheet]