Mary "Helen" Biggs

Mary “Helen” Biggs, August 27, 1932 – December 9, 2019, lived a rich, full life. She was born of loving parents, Earl and Mary Moore, on a farm in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. There she fed her pet pig with a bottle, and chased after her two little brothers, Charlie and Kenny. Helen was a good student and the first in her family to attend college. She fell for a handsome, blonde fellow, Howard Holeman, whom she married and they joined the Ozark diaspora that drew young, ambitious people to leave the farm and head for the economic wonder of Pontiac, MI and car country. There they raised two daughters -Michele and Sandy - amidst the lakes and the community of suburbia.

Later, Helen was fortunate to meet and marry Ed Biggs, with whom she shared a decade of wonderful years of travel and loving companionship. Following Ed’s untimely death, Helen shared over 25 years of joy, golf and winters in Florida with Ignatz “Iggie” Mamayek, who survives. Also surviving are children Michele Gossman and Sandra (Chad) Labby; grandchildren, Kristine (Kyle) Fueslein, Karyn (Brent) Skiba and Meredith (Dustin) McLean; and great-granddaughters Jenna, Madilynn, Mackenzie and “coming soon” Emilee; and siblings, Charles (Mary Lou) Moore and Kenneth (Pat) Moore.

Helen was a bright, engaged woman who raised a family, held a professional job, and was active in the community. She was a scout leader, a church elder, a PTA organizer, who found time to sew costumes for dance classes. She was a good sport who camped, rooted for her daughters’ teams, bowled, golfed, and truly enjoyed life. A woman of faith, she selflessly shared her gifts in compassionate service to many. She played pinochle with the same group of dear friends for over 30 years. She will be missed.