Helen Burkholder

TRAVERSE CITY — Helen M. Burkholder, 97, of Traverse City, passed away Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010, at the Grand Traverse Pavilions.Helen was born March 21, 1913, in La Clede, Idaho, to the late Carroll and Charlotte (Boyd) Critchell.Helen grew up in Spokane, Wash., until 1927, when her father passed away. The family then moved back to the Traverse City area, where her mother's family lived. After completing high school, Helen attended Central State Teachers College and graduated in 1936. From 1936 to 1951, she taught at high schools in Mecosta, Pentwater, Merritt and Empire. During this time, she married Everett Burkholder on Aug. 23, 1941, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Traverse City, by Rev. William J. Schuller.In 1953, Helen started her career at Traverse City Senior High School. Over the years, she worked diligently to complete her master's degree. In 1964, she finally earned the degree from Michigan State University. After teaching and counseling hundreds of students, Helen retired in 1972.In her spare time, Helen enjoyed reading, playing bridge and golf. After retirement, she and her husband Everett enjoyed travelling in their Airstream trailer throughout the states, from Mexico to Canada, and spending their winters in Florida.Helen was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church, the St. Francis Altar Society, the Catholic Daughters of America, Delta Kappa Gamma and the Retired Teachers Association.Helen was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother, Donald.Surviving Helen are her son, James (Barbara) Burkholder, of Traverse City; daughter, Carol (Bob) Hardy, of Park City, Utah; grandchildren, Lisa (Chris) Hathaway, Marc (Kendra) Burkholder, Shawn (Melanie) Burkholder, Shannon (Charles) Rennie, Tonya (Anthony) Greenhalgh, Tasha (Mike) Polinsky and Tarah Hardy; 12 great-grandchildren; and two sisters-in-law.A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Helen's life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 17, at St. Francis Catholic Church, with Fr. Ken Stachnick presiding. Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery following a memorial luncheon.Memorial contributions in Helen's name may be directed to the Grand Traverse Pavilions, Father Fred Foundation, Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools, or to Mass Intentions.The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the caring staff on Dogwood at the Pavilions for their love and support over the past five years.The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

Helen Burkholder

September 12, 2010