Helen Lemieux Leaves a Legacy

Helen Coe Lemieux, who served as First Lady of Shriners of North America during the 2007-2008 Imperial Year, passed away on January 1, 2008.

Mrs. Lemieux was born in Mishawaka, Ind., on November 7, 1942. She was a graduate of Purdue University in Indiana with a Bachelor of Science in home economics and a Master of Science in textile and food research. She taught home economics in public schools in Indiana and Ohio, ultimately joining the faculty of Bowling Green State University. She began night school at the University of Toledo College of Law during her final year at Bowling Green State University.

Mrs. Lemieux practiced law in Ohio for approximately 35 years and specialized in family law and probate. She was one of the first female attorneys in northern Ohio and became a leader among her peers. Mrs. Lemieux was known to be firm and to have a complete knowledge and understanding of the subject at hand. She could not be intimidated and was undaunted in her approach, and yet she was always fair and reasonable. Everyone knew her to be gracious no matter the circumstances and she never lost her composure. She showed respect for the clients and her fellow attorneys and was a real joy to deal with at all times. She had great expertise and even taught seminars to her peers.

In addition to her legal career, Mrs. Lemieux owned and operated a wire service floral shop in Maumee, Ohio, for seven years. Her educational background and the flower shop were foundations for her assistance in developing educational seminars for Shriners of North America. She is survived by her husband, Imperial Potentate Bernard J. Lemieux, M.D., and their son, Bernard J. Lemieux Jr. of Scottsdale, Ariz.

Over the years, Mrs. Lemieux demonstrated her dedication to Zenobia Shriners and Shriners of North America through a variety of programs, events and projects. Her fundraising program, “Research – Straight to the Heart,” provides scholarships for a summer internship program for medical students at Shriners Hospitals. The scholarship program, with an emphasis on research, will increase medical students’ awareness of the exciting, important work being done at Shriners Hospitals and, ideally, entice them to become part of the team.

Another of Mrs. Lemieux’s recent achievements was leading the development of a children’s book, “Granny Uncovers Miracles at Shriners Hospitals for Children,” to support her program. Donors receive a copy of the children’s book for each contribution of $25.

Shriners of North America and Shriners Hospitals for Children are truly grateful for Mrs. Lemieux’s many years of service to our organization. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends and her Shriners family.

The Final Flight
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free,
I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took his hand when I heard his call,
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I’ve found that peace at the end of the day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah, yes, these things too I will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My Life’s been full, I savoured much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one’ touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now, He set me free.
Author: Unknown