Helen Ann Barger (Ozim), nee "Estee" by those in her early inner circle, passed from this life peacefully on April 6. Helen was born to Steve and Theresa Ozim in their family home in Detroit on 3/2/29. She was the youngest of 4 children and grew up in the shadow of the Great Depression. She had an illustrious life as an entrepreneur in many business ventures from her earliest work in her young teens as a silk stocking merchant during the Depression, through her retirement in 1995 from Grace Convalescent Center in Detroit as their Nursing Home Administrator for 26 years- a role that she was immensely proud of as this allowed her to raise her 3 children as an independent, single Mom during a time of little social support. Most of her career was spent in some role within health care administration, but she also enjoyed a short and exciting employ with Capital Airlines, giving birth to a family fascination with the airlines.
She had another secret and exciting life that was as prodigious as her vocational career; she was passionate about her roles as: Beauty Advisor (she was Estee Lauder's most vocal marketing agent for the perfume, Youth Dew, whose scent was also used to quietly unsettle the vociferous backseat riders in the Ford Falcon she was so proud of); Editor and Commentator (she could easily "skim" a book, particularly on the subject of WW2, in minutes); Dressmaker (she must have learned this skill from her sister, Stella, as there is no objective history of said skill although accounts of creating her prom dress are documented proudly by Helen); Comedienne (her work as a stand-up is legacy and for small gatherings of co-workers, her creation of the "Bartender" role as the character who perfected Old Fashioneds and Manhattans; Card Shark (as she hosted Bridge Club and often won for many decades); Golf Pro and Spectator Extraordinaire (she loved the game and played for decades, friendly with the family of Arnold Palmer, watching many a tournament from her special grandstand seating on the 18th green at Bay Hill), and Sports Commentator (She could be seen frequently amidst the baseball greats at Comerica Park, and did offer to take a World Series ring off the hands of several Tigers players). Most recently, her role as The Railbird/Handicapper, (where her side income was gained from her keen acumen of horse racing, jockey and trainer skills which helped to pad her retirement income via her favorite bookies).
If you asked Helen what she was most proud of, she would say, "my family". Her iteration at the end of every conversation of "love, love, love, safe, safe, safe and God Bless" was expected and reassuring. She was extremely supportive of all her family; embracing everyone with acceptance and prayers, love and hope. And humor! She was so much fun! She was also proud of and fortunate in her ability to travel extensively and did earn bragging rights of making a "trip around the world".
Her dedication to her religion and her involvement in her church, Trinity in the Woods, provided Helen with a deep comfort and belonging as she worshipped there and served on Vestry. Her faith provided her with peace in passing from this world to the next, as well as during her history of breast cancer.
Helen is survived by her children: Rob (Kathleena), Connie (Bob) and Dave; her grandchildren Wes (Lauren), Josh (Cara), Kate, Andrea (Mike), Griffin, Adam (Laura) and Adrienne (Gianluca), her great-grandchildren Ella, Rory, Edith, Teagan and Lochlan, her nephew and "3rd son" Mark (Lorrie), grand-niece Hayley (Steven) and great-grandnephew Jaxon. Helen was pre-deceased by her brothers Edward and Walter, and her beloved sister, Stella. She has left many loved ones, dear friends in her wake.
There will be a Celebration of Life in Helen's honor at Trinity in the Woods, at 26880 LaMuera Street in Farmington Hills at 3:00 pm on Saturday, May 4, 2024. A reception will follow at Cowley and Sons in downtown Farmington. Funeral home arrangements are through Gorsline-Runciman Funeral Homes Williamston Chapel and can be reached for details of the Memorial Service (517-655-2158) or online at GrWilliamston.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Helen's church Trinity in the Woods are appreciated. Online donations are possible at Trinityinthewoods.org. Blessings to Provision Living East Lansing caregivers for their loving care of Helen, and to Corso Care Hospice.
May you feel "love, love, love, safe, safe, safe and Blessed".
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