Helen Marie Metzger

Helen Metzger Obituary

December 2, 1917 - January 11, 2014 This 96 year old pistol of a lady took her final curtain call on January 11 surrounded by the love of her family. Born in Philadelphia and raised in Pittsburgh, she joined the Red Cross during WWII. She was married to the love of her life, Ernie Metzger, for 49 years and together they had one daughter. Helen was an executive secretary for over 40 years until her retirement, at which point she began almost 20 years of volunteer work at Providence-St.Joseph's Medical Center in the surgery waiting room. She was an avid reader with a steel trap memory. Good theater was her passion and she saw every show that came to town. She loved to travel and managed to see most of the world. A Saturday trip to the thrift shop was a special joy. She liked her coffee "hot, hot, hot", a fact most waiters in the city can confirm, and also the occasional glass of cherry brandy, made from the cherries she picked each June. Her unforgettable smile could light the darkest space. But her greatest source of joy was her family and friends who loved her dearly and miss her terribly. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Lou, her son-in-law, Richard Maloof, and her precious terrier, Kirby. A Celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, February 22 at 10:30AM at the North Hollywood Church of Religious Science, 6161 Whitsett Ave., North Hollywood, CA 91606. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helen's memory to the Glendale Humane Society at glendalehumane.org or to a charity of your choice.

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Published by Los Angeles Times on Jan. 20, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Helen Metzger

12 Entries

Dave Mann

February 18, 2014

Mary Lou:

I was saddened to hear of the loss of your mother. I do hope that you and Richard will be comforted by the many fine memories you have of her to cherish in the days and months ahead.

Know that she witnessed your many amazing accomplishments with the "Lawrence Welk Show" and she is one of the proudest angels in heaven.

Norm & Nancy Santangelo

February 11, 2014

Mary Lou,
We are very sorry to have heard about the passing of your Mom. We had the pleasure to meet her in Branson. She was extremely proud of you ! We extend our deepest sympathy to you, Richard and your family. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
With our love - your friends,
Norm & Nancy

Mary Morrison

January 21, 2014

Mary Lou-I am so sorry that your mom passed away. She looks wonderful in this picture as she always did! She raised such a beautiful woman in you! I'm so grateful for every chat you and I have had! I know you will miss her. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Rich and all who knew your mom. Take care and much love to you from Mary Morrison. [email protected]

Jean Schooley

January 20, 2014

Mary Lou, you had a great mother. I met her in Branson, and I just loved Her. You will remember me. I come to a lot of the welk shows. God knows what he is doing, and you and Richard will find comfort in prayer. She will be greatly missed.I loved her, and I think you knew.

Jim Boehler

January 20, 2014

Mary Lou:
My deepest sympathy on the passing of your mom. I admire her activism and energy. Praise to you and Richard for caring for her. Mine will be 99 in June and is home with me.

January 18, 2014

Mary Lou and Richard, My deepest cojavascript: void(0);ndolences to you at this time of sorrow. I had the pleasure of meeting Helen in Branson. Roger Bosley - Welknotes

January 18, 2014

Dear Mary Lou & Richard,
On my love and deepest sympathies will go out to both of you may even though I can't be with you at this time just know I will be thinking and praying for you Mary Lou, You and Richard it were so good to your mom it was so Evident . Mary Lou are a beautiful example of your mom who she was You are kind and loving and a great friend to those who know you well ! Love Your Friend, Donalda Erickson (Lethbridge, AB. Canada) Tom's Friend

January 18, 2014

Mary Lou, I am so sorry about the loss of your precious mother. She sounded like a great lady. A donation to the Glendale Humane Society will be sent in her memory. Prayers, love and hugs, Claudia Noller, Welk Notes

January 18, 2014

To Mary Lou and Richard:

I believe that your mom would love to say the following to you:

"To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from Heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you.

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth and all those loving years,
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember, there would be no flowers unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on Earth is o'er,
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you, too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night....."My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So, if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me."

(Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2014)

May the sting of your mother's Move to Heaven be short and may it be quickly replaced with the thoughts of her reunion with your relatives. May the fact that she is preparing a place for you bring joy to your hearts as well.

I send love to you with much appreciation for your talents that your mother cultivated in you. May you always be blessed.

Deon Masker
A Welknoter in northern Idaho