Helen Florence Martin, 88, formerly of Kenosha, passed away on December 23, 2016, in Houston, TX. She was born in Kenosha, WI, on March 2, 1928, the daughter of the late Eugene and Amelia (Politano) Fumo. On June 25, 1955, she married Allen Martin at Holy Rosary Church and belonged to Holy Rosary and St. Therese Parishes. Helen raised her family in Kenosha and Pleasant Prairie before relocating to the Houston area with her husband, Allen, after her retirement. Helen was educated in the schools of Kenosha and was a graduate of Mary D. Bradford High. The first of her family to earn a college degree, she completed a Bachelor of Science Degree from Dominican College and attended Racine - Kenosha Rural Normal School, a teacher’s college. After graduation, Helen began her forty-two year teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse in Walworth County, WI. She went on to educate and inspire students at Holy Rosary Catholic School and Kenosha Unified School District where she taught at Bain, Whittier, Jefferson and eventually retiring from Jeffrey Elementary. Helen was an active member of the KEA and WEAC throughout her career. Active in retirement, Helen and her husband Allen volunteered many hours at the Kenosha Historical Society & Museum and was honored for her service there. She also served at food and clothing shelters in the Houston area. Surviving Helen are her daughter Mary Ellen Schumacher, Mary’s husband Mark Schumacher and their sons Matthew, David with his wife Amanda and great grandsons Luke and Dylan, and Craig with his wife Christine; Helen’s son Gregory Allen Martin and Gregg’s wife Marianne Madrigrano Martin and their daughters Rebecca, Amelia with her husband Alex and great grandson Max; and Helen’s son Larry John Martin and Larry’s wife Martha Cranley and their children Michael, Samuel, and Mary Katherine. Helen has two surviving sisters, Carmella (Joseph) Sturino and Dolores (James) Lass. Helen was preceded in death by Allen, her husband of 52 years as well as her sisters, Chancey (Louis) Aiello Moeller, Mary (Eugene) Filippello, her brother Louis (Charlotte) Fumo, her infant daughter Mary Ann and infant granddaughter Mecca Helen. Family and friends as asked to meet on Saturday, January 7th, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Entombment will follow at All Saints Mausoleum. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 6th, at the Proko Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit & Sign Helen’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Maureen Braig Simon
January 8, 2017
Dear Larry, Marianne and Martin Family,I write with just the most wonderful memories of your mom and look forward to sharing some of those with you. On behalf of all the Braigs, I extend heartfelt sympathy and prayers to you all, and your ever growing families. I know how much you are missing this dynamic and loving woman!She was a very vibrant and special teacher, certainly to her Jeffrey School 5th graders like my brother John, sister Mary Jo and me.Larry, you remain a very admired, loveable and respected friend/classmate of mine. I would love to share endearing stories about your mom as a teacher. I look forward to connecting but in the meantime I'd just like to note some wonderful thoughts about Mrs. Martin:She planned extras, read stories to us with an expressive tone, spiced up classroom saying things like, "Heavens to Mergatroid!" She had a great sense of adventure, which we loved. Your mom, Jenny Jones and I got lost on a field trip at the Capital in Madison. Mrs. Martin made it fun (like she often did)What's funny is that Jenny got the chicken pox so your mom and I had to withstand the ribbing alone when we returned to school.And my dear Marianne, the sweetest girl ever. How wonderful that you found such a perfect life partner in Gregory Martin, and, have had the good fortune to become sisters in law with Larry's wife and all your extended family. I remember your wedding so well, and how great it was to see Mrs. Martin happy, how I was happy for you to be welcomed into an even more extended Italian family--and I knew you were probably appreciated and recognized as the great catch you are. I know your girls love like crazy, hope everyone is pretty ok.This is a lengthy condolence, Again, my prayers and love to my teacher Mrs. Martin,to you Larry, to you Mar, and to your growing families. God Bless, Love Maureen and mine
Jean Pignotti
January 8, 2017
Dear Auntie Helen. I want to thank you for all you did for me as a kid. Your caring...your love. Like my Mom I learned a lot about being a woman from you. Hope you guys are having a great homecoming now that you have joined them all, your Mom, sisters, my Mom and all that have went before you. Even though I haven't seen you much these past years you are always a part of me. I love you, Jean
Sue & Mark Stegbauer
January 1, 2017
Mary---I will always remember your Mom with her big smile and happy disposition. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Teresa Villanueva
January 1, 2017
Beautiful memories of a lovely lady--thinking of you all and wishing you peace.