Helen Elizabeth Taylor Fish, 101, passed away at the Grand Traverse Pavilions where she had made her home. Born Helen E. McCall in Charlevoix on June 8, 1913, she was the oldest of six children of John and Myrtle (Richardson) McCall. Helen moved to Traverse City in 1924 where her father found employment at the pioneer Hannah-Lay Co. She attended the local schools, graduated with the class of 1932 and married Willard Taylor in 1933. She and Willard were very active members of Central Methodist Church in their youthful days. Helen was a stay at home mother. She is survived by her daughter, Jacqueline (Taylor) Canute, five grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild; a sister, Beatrice (McCall) Moyer and numerous nieces and nephews. Also surviving are her second husband's children, Sharon, Warren and Linda and several grandchildren. Helen was preceded in death by her husband Willard in 1957, son Richard Taylor in 1997, son in law Ray Canute in 2012, her parents, brothers Francis, Jack, William, and Donald and second husband, Kenneth Fish. Helen's longevity can be attributed to her family longevity, her father living until 97, grandfather until 91 and great grandfather who died at 93. However, she never smoked, drove a car, wore slacks and was in her 80's before she visited a fast food restaurant. Until just recently she lived alone, prepared her own meals and had her weekly outing to the beauty shop with the help of her daughter. Her favorite quotes about her age were, "you won't go until it's your time" and "100 is just a number." She will be missed by her extended McCall, Taylor and Canute families.
Helen will be remembered in a private memorial service at a later date.
Rather than flowers, the family would appreciate Helen being remembered by contributions to the Grand Traverse Pavilions Foundation, 1000 Pavilions Circle, Traverse City, MI 49684.