Helen Bauman

Obituary of Helen Bauman Dollar Bay Helen (Maatta) Bauman, 85, passed away at the Westmoreland Nursing Center in Lake Forest, Illinois, early Thursday morning, July 29, 2004, where she had been a resident patient for the past 7 months. The former Helen Maatta was born in Hancock, on Aug. 23, 1918, a daughter of the late John and Matilda (Pojan) Maatta. She resided during her early years in Coburntown, as a part of a large, blended family of 15 children. Some may still remember Helen as the nine year old girl who, while playing with her siblings, fell into the Quincy Falls and was miraculously saved by a man who swam out to rescue her after seeing her floating unconscious in the adjoining Lake. Thankfully, her life proceeded peacefully after that incident, and she eventually moved downstate where she met John (Pete) Bauman. They were married on August 30, 1940, and settled in the Detroit area, where they resided until 1974, Helen and Pete's retirement years were spent happily on Portage Lake outside Dollar Bay, where they welcomed frequent visits from their four children and their families. Many of Helen's large family had also migrated back to Northern Michigan for their retirement, and together enjoyed many wonderful years. During the summer, everyone in the area will no doubt remember the sight of beautiful flowers gracing the stairway and decks of their home on Point Mills Road. It was always a pleasure to come around the bend and see those colorful blooms. Wonderful Home Cooking was another one of Helen's talents as anyone who who has sampled her pasties can attest. Pete preceded Helen in death on Jan. 7, 1996, and eventually she again moved downstate to be near her children. She maintained a wonderful sense of humor to her last days which made caring for her a pure joy. Her children and caregivers will be forever thankful for her wit and dignity. Surviving are: her children Virginia (Rick) Braidwood of Indian River, MI Margo (Steve) Smith of Northville, MI Peter (Barbara) Bauman of Livonia, MI Lisa (Mark) Fusello of Lake Forest, Illinois Also rememering their grandmother are: Chris, Jay, Brad, Kristin, Ryan, Sam , Allison and Jamie and most recently Helen's first great grandchild, Nicklas, born just three weeks ago. All are here to celebrate her life. Visitation will be Sunday, August 1, 2004 from 1 till 4 P.M. at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Hancock. Services will be held Monday, Aug. 2, 2004, at 12 Noon in the First Lutheran Church of Dollar Bay. The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation Family & friends may view Helen's obituary or send condolences to the immediate family at www.memorialchapel.net. To send flowers to the family of Helen Bauman, please visit Tribute Store