Helen Marie was born in Streator, Illinois on April 9, 1919. She grew up in an active family settling in Pekin, Illinois with four brothers and one sister. After leaving Pekin High School, Helen trained at Brown's Business College, infusing organization and efficiency into her career as well as her family life.

She fell in love and married Dave to become Mrs. David O. Sargeant. They moved to California, and she become the mother of two daughters. The Sargeant household was a dynamic center of learning and love, where music and literature were a constant -  to this day, both of her daughters can sing and know the words to the popular hits of the '20s and '30s.  An avant-garde woman, Helen spent many years of her life as a working wife and mother, long before it was the norm.

David and Helen's marriage truly united two soulmates. After decades of life together, they would still hold hands, steal smooches when passing each other in the house, and Dave would call home during the day to (as he would say) "have a word with his girlfriend."

When David died, Helen was devastated, but her faith and Dave's love, along with the embraces of the whole family, got her through her grief.  She had a zest for life that made her adventurous, as evidenced by eloping at the age of 72 with a rekindled romance from her youth.

Bill And Helen moved to Arizona where they shared a life.  When Bill passed, Helen stayed in Arizona, sharing  a few years with her eldest daughter, Mary.  She became a California girl once again in 2013, to bless her other daughter Susan's life and to address some health issues.

Helen's faith was hugely important to her.  She was famous for her devotion to the Rosary.  She would send her prayers heavenward whenever a family member was faced with a crisis or in thanksgiving for blessings received.  

Helen had a stellar, dry wit.  She could deliver a retort or make an observation that could choke you with laughter in the moment, and, when recalled a few days later, could still make you smile. She liked to say she was a "little woman," but her heart, generosity, and caring nature knew no heights.  She was always there with an ear, a shoulder - whatever the situation called for - along with sage advice.

Her legacy is one of determination and strength through faith. We celebrate her and what she brought to our lives. She is home now where her heart belongs, but her hope for us, that, "we'll take care of each other," stays within us.

Reception following graveside service at Moreno's Restaurant
4328 E Chapman Ave Orange  CA 92869

In lieu of flowers we would gratefully accept donations to St. Jude Children's Hospital, dedicate in memory of Helen Swisher https://shop.stjude.org/GiftCatalog/donation.do?clD=14262&plD=24671&sc_icid=home-btn-donate-now

                                           or Keck Hospital of USC memorial and Honor fund in the name of Bart Cromwell https://shop.stjude.org/GiftCatalog/donation.do?clD=14262&plD=24671&sc_icid=home-btn-donate-now

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