Helen Madelyn Myers
1943-2016
Helen Madelyn Myers, 73 of Edmond, OK left this earth to join her Heavenly Father on August 21 after a long, courageous battle with cancer. She passed away at home, surrounded by her loving husband and daughters.
She was born February 15, 1943 in New Haven, CT to Alfredo S. (Fred) Grieco and Maria Visent (Mary Ann) Migliaro Grieco. She received a business degree from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT while working for the New Haven office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, where she met her future husband, Errol Myers.
After marrying Errol on April 6, 1968 in Hamden, CT, Helen resigned from the FBI to join Errol in New York City, where he was assigned. In New York, she continued her professional career, serving as secretary to the Chairman of the Board of US Plywood Champion Paper until the birth of her first daughter, Jennifer Lee. After a brief time spent in Matawan, NJ, Errol was transferred to Oklahoma City and, with Helen, they made their home in Edmond and welcomed their second daughter, Heather Victoria.
Helen raised her family and was actively involved in the girls’ lives as a Girl Scout troop leader, Olympics of the Mind coach and school volunteer. As her children grew, she reentered the workforce at the Meadows Center for Opportunity in Edmond, a sheltered workshop for those with developmental disabilities. She spent 13 years doing this rewarding work before retiring.
Not one to be idle, she spent her early days of retirement volunteering in the community. However, her personal drive called her back to service and she took a position as an administrative assistant with the Oklahoma Board of Private Vocational Schools, where she worked until June, 2016. Despite her health struggles, Helen had an unmatched work ethic and it was not uncommon for her to go directly from treatments to the office.
In addition to the love and passion for her family and dogs, she truly enjoyed her flowers, feeding her birds and time at Lake Tenkiller. She also spent hours and hours with her family and friends sitting on her back porch in her favorite rocking chair overlooking her pond, fondly called “Lake Helen.”
Helen is preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Mary Grieco, and in laws, Connie A and Clella Myers.
Helen is survived by her husband, Errol Myers of the home, daughter Jennifer Wasinger and husband Bill of Oklahoma City, daughter Heather Lytle and husband Kevin of Edmond, and grandchildren Liam Wasinger and Amelia Lytle. She is also survived by sister Camille Thorne and husband Jerome of Westchester, PA., brother in law Connie Myers and wife Cheryl of Burnet, TX and many nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind many cherished friends who were like family.
A memorial service will be held on August 26 at 2pm at Matthews Funeral Home in Edmond, OK. Flowers are welcome; if preferred memorials may be made to the local charity of your choice. Helen had a passion for children’s health and well being, cancer research and animal rescue.
The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Aleda Toma and her staff for their care since 1993 as well as the staff with Excell Hospice for care during her last days.
Always think of Helen at Christmas where we have the cutest little Christmas tree ornament made by Helen’s Girl Scout Troop and given to us thru Errol. Just one of precious things from the most wonderful woman. She was loved by so many and we are grateful to have known her and Errol. God Bless.
Opal and Bob Warren
In Dec. of 1979, just 3 or 4 days before Christmas, we moved into Helen & Errol’s neighborhood … Just across the street from them. It was such a sweet gesture for Helen to bake and bring us a breakfast bread to welcome us, but she wouldn’t say what kind of bread it was. We accepted it and ate it for breakfast … It was moist & delicious! A few days later I asked her what was that wonderful bread … She said zucchini. I asked her why she chose not to reveal that. She smiled and said she wasn’t sure we’d eat it if we knew it had squash in it! Sure enough, there were little green flicks in every bite. From that day I (& our family) fell in love with Zucchini Bread & Helen gladly shared the recipe. I have made many loaves to eat & give as gifts & they are always Her recipe. Our families have had great times together. She was a good friend, wife, mother (& Grandmother, too). We know she will be missed but good memories and fun stories will be a big part of a rich & full legacy. Our sympathy & prayers go out to Errol, Jennifer, Heather & her whole family. ~ Jere
We did not know Helen well, but Errol was the Best Man at our wedding some 54 years ago. Our hearts go out to your family–husband, children, grandchildren. We wish you comfort and peace at this time. Joe and Esther Flowers
When I heard that Errol was marring an Easterner, I wondered how on earth she would ever fit into our farming Oklahoma family. But she won our hearts from the very first. Always kind and gentle. We will miss her. Our prayer are with all of you. Love, Debbie
I think of Helen often since I’m still active in Girl Scouting and remember her very helpful with anything we were doing. She always seemed to have a smile for everyone and rarely anything put positive things to say. I’m sorry for your loss and for the worlds loss of a caring loving volunteer.