To watch the Livestream of the Funeral mass: 

https://boxcast.tv/view/funeral-mass-helen-a-hesse-bpkwhz9ddsfct7sshw4g

In Helen’s own words, written 24 years ago…

What would I write if I could leave one last note propped up on the kitchen table?

First, my children would expect a note or a list because I always left a list of things to do.

What would I say?

Thank you God for my children, they have been my life.

Thank you God for Charlie, a loving man who came into my life late and filled it with joy.

Thank you God for my grandchildren who are so blessed with the parents they have

loving them.

Thank you God for my mom who made me the person I am.

Thank you God for my sisters, brothers and their spouses.

What would you want your epitaph to read?

“The World Was A Better Place Because of Me”

My children should not be sad, but do the things we always did together; laugh a lot like

they always did (with me or at me). I would want my children to remember that they

were the most important part of my life, my reason to live. That I was always there and

that I loved them unconditionally. Years ago I feared that maybe I loved them too much

and that it would be unfair to them when one day I would no longer be there. I worried

that maybe they wouldn’t survive, but you can’t deprive your family of love just in case

something happens to you. More importantly, love and care all you can and they will be

loving caring people and surely they will survive. Nothing replaces “Love”.

One thing I know that they will always remember is, “Don’t touch the curtains!”