Helen Jane Day

November 30, 1920 - November 19, 2020

Helen Jane Day, 99, passed away Nov. 19, 2020 in Traverse City. She was born Nov. 30, 1920 in Flint, to parents Alfred Thomas and Hazel M. LaBelle (Jeffs). After graduating from East Lansing High School, Helen moved to Frankfort with her family. She married William Frary Sr. at the Frankfort First Congregational Church and they began to raise a family. Bill and Helen divorced in 1968. In June of 1970 Helen remarried to Jacques “Jack” Day. Helen always had a job, even while raising nine children. She worked at the PetRitz Pie Co. for a number of years in Frankfort. Eventually she took as a job as the first executive housekeeper for the Holiday Inn in Traverse City. Helen and Jack traveled all over, a favorite of hers being a tour of France, Jack’s homeland. Helen could often be found diving into a Danielle Steele novel. She usually had three or more going on at a time, strategically placed around the house for her to pick-up. She was always a positive person and replied to “how are you feeling Helen?” with “I don’t have an ache or a pain.” Upon her and Jack’s retirement they moved to Apache Junction, AZ. She lived there until Jack passed away and then found her way back north. Helen leaves behind eight of her nine children, Christine, Jackie, Tiger, Susan, Jeff, Amanda, Scott and Martin; numerous grandchildren great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter; sister Susan Garrison; and other extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband William Frary Sr.; husband Jacques Day; son Marvin Frary; siblings Jack LaBelle, Tom LaBelle, Lois Cochran and baby brother Robert. A memorial gathering will take place in the spring. She was laid to rest in the Crystal Lake Township North Cemetery beside Jack. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Benzie County Library or to Munson Hospice. If you wish to view her tribute page visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com