Helen Meyer

Helen M. Meyer, 85 years of age, died Friday, Nov. 24, 2006, at her home in Cape Girardeau.

She was born May 30, 1921, in Black Oak, Ark., the daughter of Jean Giroir and Lilly May Nicholas Giroir. She married Thomas L. Meyer, her partner and best friend of over 65 years, on May 8, 1941.

Helen was a convert to Catholicism in 1936, along with her mother and brother. She and Thomas were members of St. Mary's Parish all of their married life. She was very involved in the Cursillo movement and always encouraged people to participate in activities and missions of the church.

Helen was also a gifted artist who enjoyed painting, especially landscapes of nature. She loved animals and spent time outdoors appreciating the beauty of God's creation. But her family was her top priority and the focus of her life. It was evident by her enduring love that she continually gave her family and the special relationships she developed with each one of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Thomas L., and their seven children including two sons; Thomas M. Meyer (Mary) and David L. Meyer; five daughters, Mary Jean McIntyre, Janie M. Meyer, Deborah J. Joyce, Beth McFerron (Alan) and Madonna Boyd (Ken); 13 grandchildren, Chris Edmonds, Nick Meyer, Heather Meyer, Jean Marie (Meyer) Boctor, Benjamin Joyce, Easton Meyer, Megan Joyce, Maranda (Meyer) Sides, Thomas N. Meyer, Sara Boyd, Catherine Meyer, Kelbie Joyce and Tara Meyer; nine great-grandchildren; Devon Edmonds, Christian Edmonds, Brooklyn Sides, Britain Sides, Maicee Sides, Gabriel Meyer, Cammron Meyer, Katlyn Joyce and Annabelle Joyce.

Special appreciation and gratitude is given to Maranda Sides for her love, sacrifice and care giving.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, a special aunt, Cody Musgrave and twin granddaughters, Kendra and Carissa Meyer.

Friends may call at Lorberg Memorial Funeral Chapel from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, with a Scripture service at 7 p.m. followed by a Knights of Columbus rosary.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Mary's Cathedral. The Rev. Tom Kiefer will officiate, with the burial to follow in St. Mary's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Mary's School, Notre Dame Regional High School or Southeast Missouri Hospital Hospice.