Catherine Lisa Helgeson

Catherine Lisa Helgeson (Cronk)

September 15, 1958 – October 11, 2026

Catherine Lisa Helgeson (Cronk) was born on September 15, 1958, and departed from this earth on October 11, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, a legacy of love, and countless hearts forever changed by her presence.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Shirley Alice Helgeson (Haggerty), who was not only her mother but also her best friend; her father, Donald Helgeson; her brother, Michael Helgeson; her partner, Ricky James Schneider; and her beloved granddaughter, Chloe Marissa.

She leaves behind her daughters, Meghn Helgeson and Sara Taylor (Helgeson); her grandchildren, Angelique, Bryonna, Arianna, Kaleb, Daniel, Mary, and Jack; and her great-grandchildren, Dexter, Damen, and Aleyah. She is also survived by her brother, Matthew Helgeson, her sister, Cynthia Valyasek, and niece, Alisha Friend (Helgeson).

Catherine was a proud United States Marine who served her country from 1977 to 1979, during a time when women in the military did not receive the same respect and recognition they do today. She worked in the kitchen and took immense pride in serving her country. She was proud to be a woman Marine before her time, carrying that pride with her throughout her life. Tough yet sweet, she never missed an opportunity to show off her muscles to her family, a memory she proudly bragged about for decades.

While stationed in Maryland, in the South, Catherine became engaged to a fellow Marine. Although their engagement did not come to fruition, he and his family became a second family and a second home to her. Catherine was a woman ahead of her time. She was white, he was Black, and together, in a time and place where their relationship and friendship were not readily accepted, they took the world by storm. They endured criticism and hardship for their bond, but Catherine was never one to let the opinions of others dictate how she lived her life. She stood firm in what she believed was right and never cared what others thought, especially when they were wrong.

Later in life, Catherine married his brother, Ronald Lee Groce, with whom she spent her final days in their home in Preston.

Catherine lived life to the beat of her own drum. She loved fiercely, gave freely, and put others before herself. Having known what it was like to go without, she never wanted anyone else to experience that same hardship. If someone needed help, she would give her very last just to make sure they did not have to suffer. Her generosity knew no bounds, and her heart always found room for someone who needed a little extra love.

She loved music and dancing like no one was watching. She embraced life in her own way, never afraid to be herself. Above all else, her family was her greatest love. Her mother and siblings were her best friends, and her grandchildren were her heart and soul. The love she had for her family was immeasurable, and the pride she carried for them was something that could never be mistaken.

Catherine will be remembered for her loving smile, her unforgettable laugh, her strong spirit, and the biggest heart. She was a woman who lived unapologetically, loved unconditionally, and gave more of herself than she ever asked in return. Her presence was one of a kind, and the impact she made on the lives of those around her will never fade.

She will be forever loved, deeply missed, and cherished by all those who had the absolute privilege of knowing her. Though her time on this earth has come to an end, the love she gave, the memories she created, and the spirit she carried will live on through every life she touched.

Semper Fi, Marine. Fair Winds and Following Seas.

Testimonials~

My Meme was a free bird, a nurturing and kind soul who found peace in nature, joy in the outdoors, and beauty in the little things life had to offer. She had a heart of gold and a way of making the world feel a little brighter just by being in it. Above all else, she loved her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her whole world, her greatest blessing, and her reason to keep fighting each and every day. She was a giver in every sense of the word, always willing to give the shirt off her back to help someone else, even when she was carrying the weight of the world on her own shoulders. No matter how heavy her own life became, her response to the world was always, “What can I do to help?” she never stopped finding ways to pour love into others. That was simply who she was. My Meme was sensitive, tenderhearted, and unapologetically loving. She would often say, “I’m a big baby,” but behind those words was one of the biggest hearts imaginable. Her sensitivity was never a weakness. It was a reflection of how deeply she felt, how fiercely she loved, and how much she cared for the people in her life. I will forever carry the love she gave me and the memories we shared in my heart. Her free spirit, giving nature, and unconditional love will never be forgotten. My Meme was a light in the darkness, and although she may no longer be here, her light will continue to shine through everyone whose life she touched. The world was brighter because she was in it, and I will forever be grateful that I got to call her my Meme. I’ll never say goodbye because I feel you with me every single day. And I know we will meet again when my time comes. But until then, you’ll always be my meme and I’ll always be your cupcake ~Angelique

Yes she was a kind soul ,a loving mother, and my soulmate who is forever loved ~Ronald Groce

My mom was a free spirit. She loved to travel and never stayed in one place for too long. At the drop of a hat, she would pick up and leave for her next adventure. She loved taking pictures of nature and the people she loved. After her cousin came for a visit, she discovered painting, which soon became a passion. I believe it was also a form of therapy for her.

She enjoyed music and dancing. Each time she found out she was going to become a grandma, or “Meme,” or a great-grandma, also called “Meme,” her love and excitement were immense. It was as if she were hearing the news for the first time every time. They were everything to her. I can still remember the joy on her face whenever each of them entered this world. She was kind, especially to those who were less fortunate. I remember a time when we barely had anything, yet she gave her last $20 to someone she believed needed it more. She also gave a place to stay to people who had nowhere else to go. She had suffered greatly in life and had not had it easy, especially during the early part of her life, but she never allowed those experiences to darken her light or turn her against the people who needed her help or friendship. Over the years, she welcomed my sister’s friends and mine into her home and treated them as if they were her own. My fondest memory of my mom was when I was in labor with my oldest child. I was 15 and scared out of my mind. She whispered in my ear, and it felt as though all the pain and fear washed away. No medicine could have done what she did for me. Iloved her very much, and I will carry her in my heart forever. She will never be forgotten because we will keep her memory alive through each of us, every day.

~Sara

I'll always love you Meme. ~Kaleb

Meme, I love you to the moon, the stars, the whole universe, and back again and we will meet again one day. Love peepin

~Bryonna