Helen J. Anderson

Helen Anderson (nee Horst), of Marquette, Michigan and Cincinnati, Ohio passed away on September 29, 2026 at the age of 75. Helen was born on November 6, 1950 in McKeesport, Pennsylvania to Charles and Julia Horst. She was the eldest of 5 girls. She raised her family in Marquette and spent her career as an elementary school secretary, sharing her patience and love with everyone she encountered.

Helen lived a life full of joy and gratefulness. She treated every moment as an adventure and a gift to learn from. She loved her children and grandchildren beyond measure and made sure they knew and felt that every day. She was the most present and dedicated mom and Gigi, endlessly giving of her time, energy, encouragement, wisdom and humility along with a never ending supply of homemade chocolate chip cookies, care packages and gifts. Her grandkids were the love of her life. She cherished her friends and the conversations and time she spent with them. She loved the calming waters of Lake Superior and could be found reading by the shore on any given day in Marquette.

She was an artist, a creative, a lifelong learner. She was a gardener. She was a symphony and Broadway lover. She believed strongly in justice and equality. She became an activist later in life, knocking on doors for people and causes she believed in and working to improve her community. She made the world around her more beautiful. She will be so greatly missed.

Helen is survived by her children Matt (Whitney Goode) Anderson, Lindsay (Matt) Huber and Josh (Marcelyn) Anderson, stepsons Craig Anderson and Doug (Betty) Anderson, grandchildren William, Isla, Greta, Henry, Axel, Owen, Annaliese and Jordan, sisters Linda Persondek, Carol Ruth and Shirley Dacus, her nieces and nephews as well as her friends, who were the family she was blessed to choose. She was preceded in death by her husband Bruce, her parents Charles and Julia, her sister Betty Bryl, her niece Jessica, her daughter-in-law Kristi and her brothers-in-law Richard, Tim and Dan.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 10 at Knox Church at 3400 Michigan Ave, 45208 at 2pm with food/gathering after church in The Commons room from 3-5pm. Helen will be laid to rest in Marquette, Michigan, the city that held her heart.

Memorial donations can be made in Helen's honor to UC Health Breast Cancer Center (Please support: Breast Cancer Research and Education Fund (F101013)) or the Cincinnati Arts Association.