Obituaries

Helen Marie Mayer, 79, Beloved Family 'Hub'

Helen Marie Mayer, 79, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013.

Helen Marie Mayer (Hedrick), 79, of Norwalk, CT, entered into eternal rest Tuesday, January 15, 2013, at Yale New Haven Hospital. She was the beloved wife of Paul “Ben” E. Mayer Jr. for more than 55 years, who predeceased her in 2007. 

Helen was born in NY, on August 9, 1933, the daughter of the late Julius and Lena Hedrick. She later moved to Norwalk, CT, where she had resided for most of her life. Her primary role was that of homemaker and was happiest when caring for her family. She was known as the “hub” of the extended family as mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and great aunt. Her signature chocolate chip cookies were baked for and enjoyed at every family event. Helen’s chili was also of local fame when, friends who didn’t even know her asked “are you going to bring Aunt Helen’s chili?” She was an accomplished bowler, and an avid fan of the UCONN Huskies women’s basketball team. She worked part-time at various times throughout her life at Burndy, Valleries, and Bierdorf. Over the last 10 years she fought a long courageous battle with 4 different cancers, and won, only to be taken suddenly and unexpectedly. During her last illness, she used to say, “Ben is calling me”. It must have been the music on Ben’s piano, while he played her favorite song that guided her steps to him, so he could take her home again. She will be sorely missed by her children, family and all who knew her.  

Members of her surviving family include; her Sister, Betsy Calzone, and her husband Joe of Stratford, her brother, Carl “Sonny” Hedrick, and his wife Dolores of Norwalk, her sister in law, Jean “Mayer” Post of Norwalk; her daughter, Melissa (Mayer) San Souci of West Haven, CT and her three sons; Paul E. Mayer III of Norwalk CT, James J. Mayer and his wife Lisa of Monroe, CT, and William S. Mayer of Norwich, CT.  She leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Michael San Souci, Lauren, Lyndsay, and Leann Mayer, William and Brianna Mayer and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. She was also predeceased by her sister, Betty Licari.

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We would like to thank the staff at Norwalk Hospital, Yale New Haven Hospital, Waveny Care Center, and the Orange VNA, for their loving care and compassion during her illness.            

Funeral services for Helen will be held on Saturday, January 19, 2013, 10 AM at the Magner Funeral Home, 12 Mott Ave., Norwalk, with Donald Burr officiating.  Burial will follow at St. John Cemetery, Norwalk.  Helen’s family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 4-8 PM.  Donations in her name may be made to V.N.A.  of South Central Ct, 1 Long Wharf Dr Suite 501 New Haven, CT 06511.  For directions or to leave an online condolence, please go to magnerfuneralhome.com

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