Helen "Mimi" Dorothy McDonough, age 100, of Mesa, Arizona passed away on Monday, May 27, 2024. She was born in Claghorn, Pennsylvania on September 29,1923 to parents John and Selma Erickson. Helen attended G.A.R Memorial High school in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. She then furthered her education by graduating from Wilfred Academy in Newark, NJ, school of cosmetology becoming a hairstylist. Before enlisting in the service she was a radar welder at the Haywood Wakefield plant in Gardner, Massachusetts.
In January of 1944, Helen, known as "Dottie" enlisted in the US Coast Guard SPARS, serving in World War II until 1946. While in the service she spent time in Radioman School, graduating in the top 20% of her class. She served her time stationed in Westport, Washington where she relayed messages through Morse Code from ships in the pacific to those in Washington DC. She is a Charter Member of the Women's Memorial in Washington DC and stated in her memorial certificate "I wouldn't have missed it for the world, great experience". Her decorations while in the service included both the American campaign medal and the World War II victory medal.
Helen enjoyed spending her time as a volunteer, working with disabled children and the elderly. Her talents included creating beautiful watercolor paintings, arranging flowers, sewing, and tinsel painting.
Helen is survived by her daughters; Darcy Rostron and Kathryn Buck; Son in laws Edward Rostron and Don Buck. Grandchildren Tracy Buck and Mikel Saenz, Great grandchildren- Joshua, Amanda, Lea, Zachary, Jennifer, Carla, and Alysa. Nieces; Lenore and Stosh Tomasko, Janice and Joe Setteneri; and several Great nieces and nephews.
Helen is preceded in death by her Son Stephen Francis McDonough(deceased 1954), parents; John and Selma Erickson, siblings; Florence Williams, Irvin Erickson and Mildred Erickson.
A memorial service for Helen will be held Friday, June 14, 2024 from 2:00 PM at Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 400 South Power Road, Mesa, AZ 85206.
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