The Virtual Memorial Garden

After a short illness, Helen Margaretich, age 84, died Friday, August 27, 2004 in Hemet, CA. Funeral service and burial were held September 3 at Bellevue Memorial Park in nearby Ontario. Helen Evelyn was born to John W. Coffee and Dorothy Elta (McCormick) on January 20, 1920 near Roswell, NM. She fell in love with Joe Sillivent shortly before World War II and followed her new husband to Holyoke, MA where he was stationed in the Air Force at Westover Field. Her beloved brother John soon joined them there and the three shared many laughs. They later moved to and stayed in southern California. Helen had a wicked sense of humor and encouraged her nieces to live life to its fullest. She was the aunt who remembered everyone's birthdays and attended all our graduations, weddings and reunions. Helen was passionate about the Dodgers, Elvis
Presley, all shades of purple, and her many collections. In her later years she enjoyed taking care of young children at her Lakewood home—many of whom kept contact with their favorite babysitter. Helen is predeceased by her parents; brothers Laurence and John; sisters Audrey Willhelm and Elisabeth Ruminson; and her second husband John S. Margaretich. She leaves behind her devoted companion Joe Sillivent; seven nieces; three nephews; and their children who will not soon forget their Great-Aunt Helen.