Helen Sparks

Helen "Penny" Sparks, age 82 of Lake, passed away Sunday, September 11, 2011. Penny was born May 12, 1929 in Detroit. She was united in marriage to Olin "Sparkie" for 53 wonderful years, with him predeceasing her on November 22, 2006. Penny lived in the Lake area since 1983 having moved from Garden City. Penny taught ceramics for 41 years and owned Ceramics by Penny in Lake since 1986. She was a member of Lake Eagles Aerie #3761 Auxiliary for 30 years, having served as Chaplain for the past 13 years. Penny also volunteered at the Northwoods Nursing Home for 21 years. She was a huge supporter of the Lake Community Association, having served on the Board of Directors. Penny was instrumental in obtaining a grant from the State of Michigan to restore the Lake Station Depot. She was a big supporter of Lake Daze; she and Sparkie had served as Grand Marshall's. Penny sold Avon for 21 years; she loved Bingo, going on Casino trips, candy and everything else not good for her. She attended St. Cecilia Catholic Church. Penny will be remembered as a loyal friend to her children and everyone else that knew her. Penny is survived by her children Susan Harrison of Livonia, Kathleen Sparks of Manchester, N.H., Keith (Kathy) Sparks of Canton and Brian Sparks of Garden City; many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Penny was predeceased by her son Robert and sisters Margaret and Rosemary. Services for Penny will take place on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at 10 A.M. at the Farwell Chapel of Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home with Father Bill Rutkowski officiating. Burial will be held in the St. Hedwig Catholic Cemetery in Dearborn Heights on Thursday at 10:30 A.M. Friends may visit with Penney's family on Tuesday at the funeral home from 1:30 to 8 P.M. with an Eagles Auxiliary service to be held at 6:30 P.M. A visitation will also be held at the R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Home, 15451 Farmington Rd., Livonia, Wednesday from 5 until 9 PM. Memorials may be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor in Oregon, Ohio. Funeral Home: R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services 15451 Farmington Rd. Livonia, MI US 48154