Helen was born on February 7, 1931 in Alvin, TX. She passed away on February 22, 2019 in Houston, TX. For about 75 years, she celebrated her birthday on the 6 ^th , but when she realized she actually had another birth certificate that listed her birthday as the 7 ^th , she sometimes celebrated on that day, or both. She recently enjoyed both cheesecake and strawberry shortcake on her 88 ^th birthday. She loved desserts!!

She was raised in Clute, TX and graduated from Brazosport HS where she played drums in the band. Helen later moved to Freeport where she worked as a telephone operator. It was there that she met her future husband, Truman Nygard. After they were married, she moved to El Campo, where her two children, Denise and Mark, were later born. In 1966, the family moved to Bay City due to Truman's job transfer. She lived in Bay City and was a member of this church for over 50 years.

Helen taught special needs students at the Edith Armstrong Center and also at the Hillard School. She was thrilled whenever she crossed paths with any of her former students. She later became the attendance clerk at Tenie Holmes School. After retiring, she volunteered as a Pink Lady at the hospital for many years.

Sadly, Truman passed away in 2002 after nearly 50 years of marriage. She struggled for many years over this loss. She remained very close with Truman's sisters, Jewel-Deen House and Lavonne Bergstrom and their loving families. Thankfully, she was able to spend a memorable
Thanksgiving Day with many of them this past year. Christmas Eve gathering were always special to her. Spending any time with family was very important to her. The Christmas turkey was never ready on time and this became part of the tradition. Any time spent with her grandchildren, Lauren and Alec, was priceless to her. She loved to make people laugh such as her alligator eyes or belief that she could actually speak Spanish.

She was actually a great cook, especially her fried chicken, chocolate pie, and dewberry cobbler. A Sunday roast was another tradition. She loved to travel and her fondest memories were adventures with Truman, her sister Betty Sue and her husband Mitch. She loved to talk about their trips together all over the U.S. She tolerated the annual family trip to the Frio River with family and friends. Even though it was hot, no A/C, and she had to spend too much time in a cramped kitchen, she did it for her family. For about 30 years, we heard the story that she hit a rock while tubing and that it still hurt sometimes.

Helen loved her flowerbeds and plants. Ironically, the hospice where she spent her final days had a beautiful garden with almost all of her favorite plants. Azaleas, camellias, and amaryllis were everywhere. The same trees as well; live oak, pecan, magnolia, pine, and even pink magnolias—just not enough sunlight for any roses or daylilies that she also loved.

She was a collector (hoarder would be a bit harsh) of treasures from auctions, estate sales, and garage sales. She rarely threw away any of these prized possessions. She loved her bridge club friends and the lifelong relations that developed. She enjoyed the Hallmark Channel and watched many of the same shows repeatedly. She also enjoyed playing the slot machines and occasionally shared her winnings. She looked forward to dinners with her friends at El Zarape, Dairy Queen and others, but always had to be home before dark. She loved her dogs and cats over the years and spoiled each and every one of them.

She frequently said she had the best neighbors in the world. For years, their interaction was the highlight of her day. The family would like to thank her caregivers for their compassionate care during her sometimes difficult last few months. The care proved by Houston Hospice in her final days was priceless.

Helen was special. She was always a giver and never a taker. May she receive the thoughts and actions she always offered. She was loved and will be greatly missed. Thanks for joining us today and try to remember her with a smile!

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Truman and her brothers Bobbie, Harry, and Gene Hart. She is survived by her daughter Denise of Houston, her son Mark and grandchildren Lauren and Alec Nygard, all of Richmond. She is also survived by her sister Betty Sue and husband Lewis Mitchell of Arizona and sister-in-law Louise Hart of Brazoria. Survivors also include Truman's two sisters, Jewel-Deen House and Lavonne Bergstrom both of El Campo. She loved and was very proud of the nieces and nephews she leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers or plants, please consider a donation to the Houston Hospice  at www.houstonhospice.org or the pet-related charity of your choice.

Visitation will be held at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City on Thursday February 28 from 5-7 pm. Graveside services will be 10am Friday March 1, 2019 at Garden of Memories Cemetery in El Campo. Memorial services will be held at St. Peter Lutheran Church Bay City, at 2pm Friday March 1. A reception will follow at the church.