Helene Pauline Koch

Helene Pauline (Johnson) Koch passed away on July 13, 2009 at the Monte Villa Healthcare Facility in Arcadia, California. Her husband of 62 years, Heinrich (Heine) Koch died in 1991. Helene leaves two children (Joan Carole (Koch) Patterson and Robert Winfield Koch), seven grandchildren (Kristen Anne (Patterson) Carruthers, Dr. Scott William Patterson, Sean Robert Patterson, Lindsey Amanda Patterson, Dr. Sarah Louise (Koch) Tidyman, Elizabeth Helene (Koch) Schauman, and Jennifer Ann (Koch) Nilsson and seven Great-grandchildren (Owen Parker Carruthers, Samantha Ann Schauman, Lauren Grace Tidyman, Abigail Etta Schauman, Jacob Henry Tidyman, Per Gabriel Lukas Nilsson and Per Johan Nilsson). Helen was born in Fayette, Michigan on Sept. 3, 1910. Her parents John and Ida Johnson had emigrated from Norway and Sweden a few years earlier. Helene was the last surviving and the oldest of seven brothers and sisters. Helen graduated from high school in 1927 and in 1929 she married Heine, a graduating senior at the University of Minnesota. They then moved to New York City where they both worked. It was quite an adventure for two young kids from the midwest. They survived the October crash; but, were delighted when Heine received an offer to teach and continue his studies at Washington University in St. Louis. Helene took a secretarial job with the department of Geology. In 1934, Heine finished his work at the University and accepted a job with Shell Oil. Heine's work required numerous transfers and Helene devoted herself to making a new home in each location. They started in Michigan and then moved to Illinois where they had Robert in 39' and Joan in 43'. From Illinois, they moved to Oklahoma where they lived in Tulsa for two years. In 1946, they moved to Texas and, a year later, on to New Orleans. After two years, the family moved on to Calgary, Canada where they spent four very enjoyable years. In 1953 they moved to Southern California where Heine retired in 1962. During all those years, Helene worked to establish a loving home for their children and to participate in the local community. She was always active in the PTA sometimes serving as an officer and many times as a room mother. She led many projects to raise more money for extra school programs. She also helped her family participate in local activities. One example happened during Marde Gras in New Orleans when she and several mothers made identical clown costumes for all family members to attend the festivities and parades. That was memorable fun for everyone. When Helene and Heine retired in Arcadia, they devoted a large share of their time to the Church of the Good Shepherd. They were both on the board of the church and, for many years, sponsors of the Youth Fellowship. Helene was very active in various women's organizations at the church including Martha's Circle and the Crafters. During this time she and Heine developed a real love for Hawaii especially Maui and they started returning every year in the spring for a month of relaxing. Helene also developed into an avid Angels baseball fan. In fact, she closely followed the Angels the rest of her life. Helene and Heine took a very active role in the raising of their grandchildren. They were always available to do baby sitting. They had frequent family events at their home including annual parties focused around the fourth of July and the New Year' Rose Parade. The grandchildren especially enjoyed Grandma's delicious cookies and everyone loved her meals. When Heine died in 1991, Helene tried to maintain their big house; but, it was too much for her and she moved into a condominium, also in Arcadia. She continued her work at the church, followed her Angels, and really enjoyed the arrival of her great-grandchildren. She was even able to accompany some of them on trips back to Maui. Helene managed living alone until 2004; when, she decided to move to the Arcadia Gardens, an assisted living home. She enjoyed life until the end of 2007; when, she took a very bad fall. After a hospital stay, she moved into the Monte Villa Healthcare Home in Arcadia where she died on July 13, 2009, seven weeks before her 99th birthday. She was always very interested in everyone and was willing to help them in anyway she could. Her family and many friends will certainly miss her warm and friendly personality. Donations to the Church of the Good Shepherd Foundation would be appreciated very much in lieu of flowers.