Helen Coen Brooks

Helen Louise Coen Brooks transitioned peacefully and gracefully from our earthly plane, surrounded by her children in her home, on Wednesday, March 15, 2023. Helen was born to Mary Esther Kirkpatrick Coen and Charles Silver Coen on October 7, 1939 in the Washington Hospital. The youngest of three, following older siblings, Dick and Marilyn, Helen attended the East Washington Elementary and High Schools, Miami University of Ohio, and The Wood School in New York City. As a young person she was an award-winning equestrian in the dressage arena, played the clarinet, became head majorette in high school, and loved singing in the choir at the Church of the Covenant. As a young adult, Helen worked as an executive secretary at Jessop Steel, until marrying William “Bill” G. Brooks in 1965. Helen and Bill had two children, a daughter, Julia Gates and a son, Will Coen. Julie and Will were two of the brightest lights in Helen’s life. After her divorce, Helen became a fierce and sometimes fiery advocate for her children, serving as a chaperone for scouts, softball and baseball events, band competitions and anything else Julie and Will sought to pursue. At home these three were a team, not always agreeing, except when it came to resolving disagreements before going to bed. As a master storyteller, Helen reveled in researching and remembering her family tree, often recounting stories about a favorite aunt, visits to relatives living all over the country, and evening strolls with her grandmother along North Main Street when she was young. She loved her nieces and nephews, picking and persisting in using special nicknames for them throughout their lives. And, she later showered her sweet grandchildren and great-children with pet names that exemplified their exceptionality. Helen was generous and gregarious, with a tender heart, a self-deprecating sense of humor, and a wit that could bite or delight. She was a beautiful writer, filling both sides of greeting cards with sweet, supportive sentiments, and chronicling details in letters about events and experiences long forgotten by most. She loved playing cards with friends; traveling around the world; and, reading fiction, history, economics and self-help. And, she rejoiced in witnessing her Spring daffodils bloom, her cats at play, and her many beloved backyard visitors while sitting in the open air on her deck. She was a master at choosing just the right gift, and wrapping it like a professional, with a little extra love and packing tape. And, her devotion to treating others to an especially scrumptious meal, at a favorite restaurant or on a new dining adventure, brought her absolute and immeasurable joy. Helen was deeply committed to her Washington community, quietly carrying on a family tradition of philanthropy for and selfless service to her community’s children, families, animals and trees. She was on the boards of the Brownson House, Currents Events Club, the Washington Hospital, and volunteered her time and talent as a secretary and treasurer for myriad other organizations around town. Left to cherish her memory and carry on her legacy of service, is her daughter, Julie Brooks (Joellen Popma); son, Will (Barbara) Brooks; sister, Marilyn McIlvaine; grandchildren, Matthew and Joseph Brooks, and Alex Noffsinger; great-grandchildren, Finnley, McKenna, and Benjamin Noffsinger, and Elliott Brooks; nieces and nephews, Judy Grove, John, Charlie, Andy and Mark McIlvaine, and Holly Coen; and cousins in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia and Florida. Preceding Helen in death was her brother, C. Richard Coen, and niece, Betsy C. Trappuzano. At the request of the deceased, all services were private. Please consider making a donation in Helen’s name to Citizens Library or the animal rescue organization of your choice.