Helen Irene Peters

Helen Irene Peters, 88 of Alanson, passed away at home on Monday, November 9, 2015. Born in Indianapolis, IN on October 10, 1927, she was the daughter of Peter and Jennie (Fischer) Vandyke.

As a child, Helen moved to Coldwater, MI with her family. It was in Coldwater that she met a young man, W.L. “Bill” Peters. They fell in love and were married on November 13, 1946 in Angola, IN.

Helen and Bill lived for many years in Charlevoix where they raised their family. They were longtime owners of Hookers Cleaners where Helen was known to be an excellent seamstress. She had a strong work ethic, something she made sure she passed down to her family.

Helen enjoyed dancing and she will long be remembered for baking the best apple pies. In later years, she and Bill enjoyed annual winter trips to Flagler Beach, FL and Myrtle Beach, SC.

Helen is survived by Bill, her husband of 69 years; her children, Lorraine (Terry Tappy) Day of Madison, WI, Andrew (Sharon) Peters of Petoskey, Janet (Ed) Boettcher of Elk Rapids, Valerie Harris of Lander, WY, Susan (Lee) Barta of Charlevoix and Jeffrey (Kathleen) Peters of Orlando, FL; 15 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. She is also survived by brothers Jack Vandyke of Traverse City and Rick Vandyke of Portage; a sister, Ruth Wilson of Coldwater and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by sisters, Betty, Alice and Mary Vandyke.

Visitation will be begin at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, November 12, 2015 at St. Clement Catholic Church in Pellston where the funeral mass will follow at 11:00 A.M.

Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to St. Clement Catholic Church or Vital Care Hospice. Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Gaylord. Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com