Michael Helwick

Michael Leonard Helwick of Covington, Louisiana, died August 5, 2015 from a heart attack, at the age of 68, while vacationing in the Smokey Mountains. Michael was preceded in death by his brother, Dr. Stephen Helwick, his father, Joseph L. Helwick, and his mother, Gertrude Macaluso Helwick. He is survived by his partner of 9 years, Angela Ball, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, his daughter Stephanie Edens Helwick, of Newport Beach, California, his sister-in-law Caroline Helwick, of New Orleans, and his nieces Erica Helwick, of Los Angeles, and Diana Helwick Stokes (Pat) of New Orleans. Michael was a graduate of Jesuit High School in New Orleans, Boston College, and the University of Texas School of Law. Michael clerked for Dorwin Wallace Suttle, Federal Judge of the Western District of Texas, in San Antonio before moving back to New Orleans to work with his father, Joe, a State Farm Agent in New Orleans. After Joe's death in 1989, Michael became an agent himself in the same uptown location on Claiborne Avenue, where he served many devoted clients until his retirement in 2008. Michael was a life-long "Jay Bird" who stayed connected to his alma mater, attending Jesuit High School events and class reunions. He stayed in contact with fellow alumni of Boston College and participated in landmark class reunions. Since his retirement, Michael became an avid student of classic movies, travelling to movie festivals around the country and hosting a classic movie club for his mother Gertrude and her friends. He delighted in introducing friends and acquaintances-including his pest-control provider and bank teller-to films they might enjoy. A service will be held Tuesday, August 11, at 11 am at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home. Visitation will be 9:30 to 11 am. In lieu of flowers, Michael would be honored to have donations made to the St. Tammany Parish Humane Society, 20384 Harrison Ave., Covington, LA 70433, or Jesuit High School (Life Endowment Fund), 4133 Banks St., New Orleans, LA 70119.