Helen Louise Bricault

Helen Louise (Spears) Bricault, age 93 of Ann Arbor, Michigan passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. Helen was born on January 20, 1931, in Saginaw, Michigan to Rose A. (Sveda) and Clinton E. Spears.

Helen graduated from Saginaw High School in Saginaw, Michigan in 1948. She had various jobs including working at a shoe store and a print company after high school.

Helen married Richard Bricault on the military base in Panama where he was stationed in the Army on August 16, 1952. They were married nearly seventy years, until Richard's death in 2022.

After returning from Panama, Helen and Richard began growing their family, and ultimately having five daughters and two sons. She is survived by her children Kathy Spicer (Dave), Judy Greca (Ed), Rick Bricault, Steve Bricault (Mary), Cindy Fischer (Mike), Beth Newsted (Don), and Marie Marsh (Steve). She also leaves behind 16 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She also is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.

Helen enjoyed sewing anything from doll clothes to cheerleader uniforms to clothing for herself and her children, and Baptism bibs for St. Thomas church. She also crocheted and knitted, and if you were going to have a baby you could expect a handmade baby sweater and bonnet set. Just about any craft from embroidery to counted cross stitch was being worked on continually. Her talents didn't end there ... it was a special treat to her children when she would pull out her accordion and play for them.

Helen worked for the University of Michigan, typing, when the children were young. Ultimately, Helen began working with her husband running Daniel's Jewelers in downtown Ann Arbor, doing bookkeeping and selling jewelry.

After retiring from the jewelry business, Helen enjoyed traveling with Richard, especially to Hawaii and Mexico. They enjoyed their times at the Pittsfield Senior Center playing bingo and going on casino trips. Helen also volunteered at Michigan Heart with various jobs typing and in the mail room.

Helen and Richard were members of St. Thomas Catholic Church since 1959, when they moved to Ann Arbor.

A visitation for Helen will be held on Monday, December 23, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Muehlig Funeral Chapel, at 403 S 4th Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48104, with a Rosary Service at the Chapel at 7:00 PM.

There will also be a visitation on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 530 Elizabeth St., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48104. A Funeral Mass will immediately follow the visitation.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Helen's memory may be made to a charity of your choice.