Obituaries

Helen Margaret Jenks, age 86, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, died on July 24, 2026, at the Ball Hospice House in Sault Ste. Marie. She was born on July 28, 1939, to Erman and Margaret Catherine “Cassie” (Crawford) Jenks.

Helen grew up in Sault Ste. Marie and graduated from the Adult Education Program at Sault High School in 1967. She began working at Piggly Wiggly when the store first opened before starting her lifelong career in the Dietary Department at War Memorial Hospital in 1972. Helen dedicated an incredible fifty-one years to the hospital before retiring in December 2023. She also worked part-time at what once was Painter’s West Market in Algonquin. She enjoyed this second job and made many additional friends while working there.

Helen enjoyed giving her time to various organizations and helping anyone when she could. Her volunteering was a part of her life for many years. She generously supported local organizations including the Salvation Army, Soo Locks Boat Tours, and the Soo Locks Visitor Information Center, where she distributed pamphlets to visitors. She devoted countless hours to fundraising for War Memorial Hospital's Long-Term Care unit, Hospital Flea Markets, the Hospital Kids Christmas program, and the VFW Kids Christmas program, where she delighted children as Mrs. Claus. She also served as a City of Sault Ste. Marie election worker, belonged to the Hospital Ladies Auxiliary and the VFW Auxiliary, and volunteered at VFW events such as breakfasts, pasty sales, fish fries, and hamburger bashes. Helen served as a preschool aide at Soo Со-ор Preschool and spent many years helping organize her class reunions.

In her earlier years, Helen bowled on the lady’s league at the Dondee Lanes in the Soo. Helen didn’t like to go too far or be away from home for long but was always up for day trip with her friend Cathy Rogers and her family, even taking a trip to Las Vegas.

Helen is survived by her grandchild, Kristin (Kevan) Ferguson of Menominee, Michigan; great-grandchildren, Jake (Nikki) Anglehart of Ocala, Florida, Abbie Anglehart, and Zoey Ferguson both of Menominee; great-great grandchildren, Hadley Anglehart of Ocala; nieces, Cheri Shagena, Lori Campbell, and Peggy (Kinghorn) Green; nephews, Tom Kinghorn and David Kinghorn; great nieces, Cheri (Ben) Bush, Chrissy Campbell; great nephews, Jim “Big Jim” Campbell and Jeffrey Shagena; and other nieces and nephews from out of the area; and cousin, Marsha (Tom) Ewing; along with many friends including her best friend of many years, Cathy Rogers.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Erman and Margaret Catherine “Cassie”; brother, Lyle (Vera) Jenks; sisters, Dorothy (Forrest) Ferguson, Isabelle Alexander, Barbara (Alvin) Kinghorn; and nephew, James “Jim” Campbell.

The Memorial Gathering will be held on Friday, August 7, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, at Family Life Funeral Homes, 4951 S. M-129, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. The Memorial Service will follow at 3:00 PM.

Helen’s final resting place will be at Cottle’s Cemetery in Pickford, Michigan.

The family would like to extend their gratefulness to Ball Hospice House for their wonderful care for Helen.

In lieu of flowers or monetary donations please consider making a donation in the name of Helen to the Ball Hospice House, 308 W. 12th Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.

Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.