Submitted by: Dan Rich

Ann Patrice Helmen

June 13, 1926 - Dec. 13, 2001

South Bend Tribune 12/16/2001

Ann Patrice (Patterson) Helmen, 75, gave up the good fight on December 13, 2001. Ann was born on June 13, 1926. An extremely gifted pianist, Ann was a member of and soloist for the South Bend Junior Symphony. While at St. Mary's College, she taught piano and pursued her Bachelor of Music degree from Chicago's American Conservatory of Music. Ann graduated from St. Mary's in 1948 and subsequently earned her Master of Science in Administration from the University of Notre Dame.

Upon her graduation from St. Mary's, Ann worked as a caseworker for the St. Joseph County Department of Public Welfare until her marriage to Fred Helmen on May 12, 1951. Ann began substitute teaching and worked one-year as a full-time teacher. She was appointed Director of the Circle of Mercy Day Nursery in December of 1972, a job from which she retired in June of 1991.

Ann was tireless in her multitude of interests. An active member of her church, St. Patrick's, she also attended yearly conferences for the National Association of the Education of Young People; was on the Executive Board of Community Coordinated Child Care; was a member of the Day Care Directors of Northern Indiana; was an active member of the South Bend Alumnae of St. Mary's College; and was a member of the American Association of University Women. Ann also loved to travel and encounter new adventures. With her quick wit, sense of humor, and easy way, she was a joy to be around.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Dillon J. and Marie A. Patterson. She is survived, and will be dearly missed by her six children, Frederick (Jennifer) of Granger; David (Amy) of South Bend, Thomas (Kimberly) of Michigan City, Gregory (Kathleen) of New Carlisle, Rachel (Charles) Martin of South Bend, Stephen of South Bend; her brother, John (Ruby) Patterson of Granger; and five grandchildren, Frederick, Nina, Caitlin, Anna and Olive.

Ann sacrificed much in her life to provide for her family. Whether loading a station wagon with her six children for a trip to Washington D.C., or a week's stay at a Lake Michigan cottage, Ann was determined to give her children the memories and experiences most take for granted. Her devotion and love will be sorely missed.

Visitation will be from noon until 3 p.m. today, Dec. 16, at McGann Funeral Home, 2313 E. Edison Rd., with a Rosary being prayed at 2:00. The funeral Mass will take place at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 309 S. Taylor, on Monday, December 17, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Ann's name to the Alzheimer's Association of Northern Indiana, 108 N. Main St., Ste. 707, South Bend, IN, 46601-1617.