Helen Browning

Helen Browning April 5, 1925 March 1, 2009 Helen Browning joined her Savior Sunday, March 1, 2009. Services will be held at Wilkirson Hatch Bailey Wednesday, March 4 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. D. Michael Toby and Rev. Jim Gray officiating. Interment will follow at Waco Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at Wilkirson, Hatch Bailey Garden Room. Helen was born Helen Ramirez on April 5, 1925 in Waco. She was reared in a loving family of three girls and two boys by her mother, Mrs. Maria Ramirez. Although they grew up during the Great Depression they never felt deprived. They were expected to do their best in school. Her older sister, Esperanza became a missionary, and her younger sister, Sara became a Spanish teacher for Waco ISD. With the advent of World War II her brothers, Roy and Julian enlisted in the Army Air Corps. Wanting to do her part after graduation from Waco High School in 1943, Helen was accepted into nursing school at Hillcrest Memorial Hospital, enlisting in the U. S. Nurse Corps. Thankfully the war ended before her graduation as an R.N. in 1946. She completed further study in Dallas, Galveston and Chicago-the latter at Cook County Hospital. Later when she had her own family, Helen was a surgical nurse at Methodist Hospital in Houston. She was requested frequently by the renowned cardiologist Dr. Michael Debakey to be on his operating team. Helen met her future husband, Robert on a bus from Waco to Temple when the bus broke down. The striking blonde army sergeant was captivated by the beautiful nurse. They were married on March 8, 1952. After his honorable discharge they made their home Waco for most of their lives. Helen worked at Hillcrest and then as a clinical cardiology nurse. She returned to the classroom, receiving her B. A. in social work in 1973 from Baylor University. Later she was nurse for Owens Illinois glass plant, where she retired. In her retirement, Helen enjoyed Bible study, sewing, cooking, and gardening. She took part in the DAV Auxiliary, the Singing Seniors of Baylor University, Christian Women's Club and Celebration Singers at First Baptist Church of Woodway. She enjoyed keeping up with classmates she had known as far back as elementary school. She took care of her husband in his declining health. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Helen is preceded in death by her husband, Robert, her mother, brothers and sisters. She is survived by her daughter, Belena Stewart and husband, Roland of Tomball; and her son, Mark of Waco; grandchildren, Justin, Joel, Kyle and Kaitlyn Stewart; her cousins, Rose Fajardo and Virginia DeLeon. The family is thankful for the care shown by Royal Manor Nursing Home, and Providence Hospice. Memorials may be made to the DAV Auxiliary, First Baptist Woodway Seniors ministry, Samaritan's Purse or charity of choice. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Guestbook" at www.WilkirsonHatchBailey.com. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey