Helen B. Holihan

Helen B. Holihan, 87, of Grand Ledge, passed away peacefully at her home Dec. 7, 2010. Helen was born April 17, 1923, in Beaverton, to the late Gaylord and Wilma (Moses) Paxton. Like her mother and granddaughter Andrea, Helen graduated valedictorian from Coleman High School. She married Neil Holihan April 26, 1958.

For over 50 years, Helen dedicated her life, many talents, and gracious spirit, to making her community of Grand Ledge, Michigan a more beautiful, and interesting place to live, work, and visit. Her leadership and tireless involvement in organizations including ABC Club, Garden Club, Historical Society, Library, Chamber of Commerce (Athena award recipient), Opera House, Ledge Craft Lane, in addition to her work at Doty Insurance Agency and Holihan-Atkin Funeral Home, touched many lives and created many dear friendships. She was an avid reader, talented cook, and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

Helen is survived by her loving family, daughter, Lou Ellen Rease of Coleman; son, Mark (Barbara) Holihan of Roswell, Ga.; grandchildren, Mark Joseph Jr., Amanda, Christian, Jennifer, Andrea, Andrew, Jory, and Melinda; great-grandchildren, Chloe, Alora, Colin, and Eva; brother, Richard (Kate) Paxton of Coleman; and sisters, Mary (Don) Huber of Gladwin, and Lucille (Vernell) Sentz of Coleman; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by husband, Neil; son, Michael; daughter-in-law, Connie; and brother, Tom Paxton.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, Dec. 11, 2010, 11 a.m., at St. Michael Catholic Church, with The Rev. Fr. James Eisele officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday 2-8 p.m., at Holihan-Atkin Funeral Home, Grand Ledge. Memorial contributions may be made to Grand Ledge Area Historical Society (Museum) or Friends of Grand Ledge Area District Library. Online condolences at www.holihanatkin.com