Obituary of Helen Katharine Lamers

Helen K. Lamers of Satellite Beach, FL passed away peacefully in the presence of her children on Thursday, August 25, 2022 at the age of 82.  Helen was born in 1940 in Chicago, Illinois the eldest of three siblings.  Helen attended Lawrence University where she was a synchronized swimmer, member of the choir, and May Queen. Lawrence University is also where she met the love of her life, Joseph Lamers. Their love story began when Joe asked her to go steady after he and his fellow fraternity brothers serenaded her beneath her window. Upon graduating from Lawrence University with a B.A. in History, Helen began teaching in Chicago, IL. One year later she and Joe wed. Joe joined the Air Force and they spent the next 24 years traveling all over the world with their four children. Helen continued her teaching career in each location the family moved to, including Japan, Colorado, Germany, and Virginia. Except for some early years teaching English and History, the majority of her teaching career was spent in Religious Education. Upon Joe’s military retirement in 1984, the family moved to Satellite Beach, FL where they became increasingly involved in the local community, especially at Holy Name of Jesus (HNJ) Catholic Church. Helen spent 36 years at HNJ intimately involved in every aspect of the Catholic Church Ministry, primarily as Director of Religious Education. She was also the GIFT (Generations in Faith Together) Chair, the Face of the HNJ Welcome Center, and the Spiritual Chair of the Catholic Counsel of Women.  

Helen’s love for God and all those whose lives she touched was contagious and inspiring.  She was a shining light in this world who made a profound impact on everyone she met. She was always so warm, complimentary, and encouraging to friends and strangers alike. Besides being the most incredible wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, her positive attitude was legendary, and she leaves behind a legacy of faith, love and family.  Incredibly loved by all who knew her, Helen will truly be missed.

Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 49 years, Joseph Lamers, who passed away in 2011. Helen is survived by her four children and their spouses: Jeff (Tess) Lamers, Jeannie (Barry) Lewin, Julie (Dale) Cook, and John (Heather) Lamers; sister Jeannie (Patrick) Mihm; brother, Chuck (Kathy) Edelhofer; and nine grandchildren: Jacob, Joshua, Daniel, Sarah, Brittney, Kaytlin, Bridgette, Alex and Brianna; and 2 great-grandchildren: Dylan and Grady, along with many loving, extended family members and countless friends.

Visitation and Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Indialantic, Florida. Visitation will take place on Thursday, September 1, 2022 from 3 - 6pm. The Funeral will take place on Friday, September 2, 2022, with a viewing at 10:30am followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00am. A reception will follow in the church hall. 

In addition to donating flowers, monetary donations may also be made in Helen’s memory to the Holy Name of Jesus Endowment Fund or VITAS Healthcare.