Peggy Joyburckle Helander

Peggy Joy Burckle Helander, 88, Green Bay, passed away on Friday, November 23, 2012. She was born October 15, 1924, in Green Bay to the late Edward and Sophia (Hurkman) Burckle. Peggy Joy enlisted in the U.S. Navy (WAVES) in 1944. During her service she attended Hunter College and George Washington University. After her military service she returned to Green Bay to continue her college studies and married Arthur W. Helander on September 30, 1947. Together they celebrated 33 years of marriage until Arthur passed away on January 3, 1980.

During her life, Peggy Joy went abroad on 33 different occasions with her traveling companion and dear friend, Jane Temp. Together they visited the greatest art galleries of the world and studied and enjoyed the work of many artists. Peggy Joy's passion, however, was the work of Vincent VanGogh. In her home she displayed over 200 Van Gogh prints and amassed an enviable art library. She also corresponded with Van Gogh's great grand nephew and lectured on the artist's work and life.

Peggy Joy spent considerable time caring for her husband, Arthur, in the last years of his life when his health became increasingly weak. Upon Arthur's death, she turned her compassion to the various social outreach efforts at St. Willebrord Parish in Green Bay. Peggy Joy served on the St. Willebrord Parish Council, was a Eucharistic minister and participated on the parish's liturgy committee. She was deeply committed to Call to Action and was an unfailing advocate for the poor, underprivileged, and marginalized members of the community. Peggy Joy was a strong voice for women's rights in the Catholic Church and championed the ordination of women.

In addition to her devotion and love for the St. Willebrord community, Peggy Joy also served on the board of directors of Golden House (Green Bay's domestic violence center) and coordinated St. Willebrord's meal service to the N.E.W. Community Homeless Shelter. Peggy Joy taught language skills and citizen preparation classes through the Green Bay Literacy Council. Through this later effort, Peggy Joy was a tireless advocate for the Hmong members of the Green Bay community.

Because of Peggy Joy's deep commitment to St. Willebrord Parish and the Green Bay community, she was the recipient of the Gaudium et Spec Award, a diocesan award designed to recognize individuals who have contributed significantly to the area community and its people.

Finally, Peggy Joy was deeply committed to the importance of education. She took extraordinary interest in her children's and her grandchildren's educations and professional growth goals. Her mantra of "anything worth doing is worth doing right…." reverberated within the family, and she encouraged everyone to take chances and challenge themselves. Service to others was a responsibility she felt everyone shared.

Peggy Joy is survived by her children: Victoria Helander-Heiser (Ted Heiser), Vernon Hills, IL; Valorie Helander (Paul Donarski), Green Bay, and Peter Helander, Appleton, WI. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Edward Heiser (Jennifer), Chicago, IL; Emily Ankenbruck (Dylan), Whitestown, IN; Anna Paque (Green Bay, WI); Alex Paque (Green Bay, WI); Nicholas Helander (Evanston, IL), and Olivia Helander (Appleton, WI).

In addition Peggy Joy is survived by her brother, Edward Burckle, Jr. (Mildred), Fond du Lac, WI and her sisters, Dawn Nelson (Gerald), Two Rivers, WI, and Donna Zilles (Bernard), Green Bay, WI.

Family and friends may call Tuesday, November 27, 2012, at Newcomer Funeral Home, 340 S. Monroe Ave., Green Bay, from 4:00pm until 7:00pm with a parish prayer service at 7:00pm. Visitation will continue on Wednesday at St. Willebrord Catholic Church, 209 S. Adams St., Green Bay, from 9:30am until 10:15am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the church on Wednesday at 10:30am with Rev. Ken DeGroot officiating and Rev. Andrew G. Cribben O.Praem. concelebrating. Entombment will be in Allouez Chapel Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the United Hmong/Asian American Community Center, 401 9th Street, Green Bay or the Casa Alba Melanie, 314 S. Madison Street, Green Bay. The family also wishes to acknowledge the compassionate care Peggy Joy received at Bishop's Court Assisted Living, Bellevue Assisted Living, and Unity Hospice.