Helen Josephine Birr Newberry, 93, of Hesperia, MI, passed away peacefully at home May 26, 2014 surrounded by loved ones as she spread her wings. A memorial will be held in her honor at Hesperia Baptist Church in Hesperia, MI on June 22, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor William Blount officiating. Private graveside burial will follow at a later date in the West Hesperia Cemetery. Helen was born in Cicero, Illinois to Arthur William Birr, Sr., and Marguerite Kathrine (Engel) Birr on June 11, 1920. She and her family moved to Hesperia at the age of 9; attended Hesperia Community schools and graduated in 1939. She was employed for a short time at Sealed Power until her marriage to Virsel Loretaus Newberry. Helen became a wife and homemaker and raised her four children with love, compassion and devotion. She was a former member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion Post #411; enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking, reading, bird watching, playing cards and scrabble, but mostly her life revolved around her family. A woman of unwavering faith in God, when she was able, attended the closest church she could. Helen was preceded in death by parents, Arthur and Marguerite; a brother, Arthur, Jr., a granddaughter, Melissa Dawn Todd and her beloved son, Robert L. Newberry and son-in-law Jerry W. Hart, Sr. She leaves her loving memories to be cherished by her daughters Candace (Dean) Todd; Lynette Hart; and Michelle (Darwin) Allen; nine grandchildren; and twenty great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her nephews William (Mary) Birr of Muskegon, Gerald (Donna) Birr of Scottsville; niece, Darlene (Bob) Streit-Estes of Milan, Michigan and several great nieces and nephews; and a cousin Joanne (Don) Mincey of New Mexico. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hesperia Baptist Church. Condolences may be left in Helens online guestbook at www.crandellfh.com Her daughter, Michelle lovingly cared for her the last 15 years of her life, along with her husband Darwin, grandsons Justin and Joseph. The family gives them and everyone else who cared for Helen their greatest gratitude. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr. Raymond and Nora Tracy and Tracy Payne, who went above and beyond the call of duty to care for Helen and help her remain dignified and special through the end of her journey. Also, to HHS Health Options and Spectrum Health Continu-Care for their support in the last several months and Heartland Hospice in the past week.