Helen A. Niccum, age 80, of Grawn passed away peacefully February 16, 2023, in Traverse City, Michigan. Helen was born to Lawrence and Hilda (Stallman) Gauthier on the family homestead in Lake Leelanau on October 6, 1942. She attended St. Mary Catholic School.

Helen, born prematurely weighing only three pounds, was later discovered to have cerebral palsy. She was strong-willed and never let that define her or keep her from enjoying life. Life was hard with many ups and downs along the way, but she had faith in better things to come. She met the love of her life, Dave, and they married and joined their families on June 16, 1990. She loved her family and enjoyed time spent with them. She will truly be missed by all her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Ruth McCauley, and many special family members.

She is survived by her husband of 32 years, Dave, sons Jerry (Brenda) Milks, Bobby Milks, David Jr. (Angie) Niccum and Jason (Trace) Niccum; grandchildren Ashley (David) Buck, Josh (Morgyn), Daisy, Jaxon, Allie and Addie Niccum; great-grandchildren Emily and Kenny Buck and Dakota Niccum. She is also survived by her siblings, Richard Gauthier, Marie McCauley, Jean Schaub, Art (Linda) Gauthier and John Gauthier and many nieces and nephews who adored her.

The family would like to thank the staff of Medilodge Traverse City and Hospice of Michigan for the wonderful care they gave to Helen.

Friends are welcome to visit with Helen's family from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., on Friday, February 24, 2023 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St., Traverse City, Michigan 49684. Family will pray the rosary at 6:00 p.m.

A funeral mass honoring Helen will take place at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 630 S. West Silver Lake Rd., Traverse City, Michigan 49685. Rev. Gerald Okoli will officiate.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or St. Patrick Catholic Church Men's and Women's Club.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Helen's family at her tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .