Helen Francis Gillette

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Helen Francis Gillette, age 91, was a resident of Gulf Shores, Alabama. Helen was born in Detroit, Michigan on December 26, 1929 to John and Clara McGuire. Helen had eight siblings and is survived by three of them: Betty Keusch, Gina Mackin and JoAnn Ludwig. She had three sons: Christopher, Michael (both deceased) and Joseph who lives in Whitmore Lake, Michigan with his spouse Sharon. There are six grandchildren and the surviving spouses of Christopher (Alma) and Michael (Leisha). Helen retired from Chrysler Corporation in 1982, moved to Gulf Shores in the early nineties and never returned to Michigan for more than a week. Gulf Shores had become her home where she became part of a new family of friends, helped raise Lindsay, Liana and Hunter Harris while their busy parents, Philip and Jill operated Nolan’s Restaurant. Nolan’s remained her favorite place to dine until it was sold. The last six years of her life were spent in the company of her beloved live-in caregiver, Chantle Uthe. Chantle was at first a helping hand and soon became a member of the family; the last few years were especially difficult as Helen declined but Chantle stood the course and fulfilled a promise made at the start, “I will see Helen through to the end”. Helen had embedded herself into the South and will be placed to rest at Pine Rest Cemetery after services held on May 1st 11:00 a.m., Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church, 308 East 22nd Avenue, Gulf Shores. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local food bank in Helens’ name