Helen Evelyn was born at home at 6:00 p.m. to John Willis Coffee and Dorothy Elta (McCormick). She attended and graduated school in Hagerman. She married Joe Sillivent on Oct. 18, 1940 in Fort Sumner, New Mexico, and later followed her new husband to Holyoke, Mass. where Joe was stationed in the Air Force at Westover Field during World War II. Her beloved brother, John, soon joined them there and the three shared many laughs and adventures. After the War, they moved to southern California. She and Joe separated and Helen later married John Sam Margaretich in 1949. They lived in Lakewood for nearly 40 years. After John died, her brother John made contact with his old friend Joe Sillivent. Joe (a recent widower) called Helen and they began dating. Soon Helen moved from Lakewood to Hemet--Joe's home, and they traveled and enjoyed each other's company her last years. We are thankful for Joe!

Helen had a wicked sense of humor and encouraged her nieces and nephews to live life to its fullest. (Get your nose out of that book!) 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 later years she enjoyed taking care of young children at her Lakewood home—many of whom kept contact with their favorite caregiver.

After a short illness, she died at her home with Joe by her side. Funeral service and burial were held September 3rd at Bellevue Memorial Park in nearby Ontario. Among those who spoke were her three nieces, Elta, Nancy and Connie. Helen was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Laurence and John; sisters Audrey Willhelm and Elisabeth Ruminson; and her second husband John 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. Aunt Helen, YOU were the best!