Helen Marie Gorst, 91, of Marquette, entered eternal life Friday morning, December 10, 2004, at the Norlite Nursing Center, where she had resided since March.

Helen was born March 24, 1913 at the family home in the North Lake Location of West Ishpeming, a daughter of Adelore and Rose Marie “Eva” (Nault) LaFreniere.  She was a 1930 graduate of the Ishpeming High School and was then employed as a recording clerk for the E. A. Johnson Store.  On June 5, 1934 she married William A. Gorst in St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette and the couple began to establish their home and raise a family in Marquette.  After her children were raised, Helen was employed at Northern Michigan University with Auxiliary Services for over 25 years, retiring in 1973.  Helen’s ambitions and interests were diverse, and over the years she enjoyed home decorating, sewing, and singing.  For over 30 years she was a member of the St. Peter Cathedral senior choir and took part in many local social affairs with various choral groups.  She was also a cast member of the original St. Michael Players, a drama troupe that performed a variety of plays for the public.  A member of St. Peter Cathedral, she was also a member of the Altar Society where she formerly served as bookkeeper.

A loving mother, proud grandparent, and sister, she is survived by her son, William E. (Nancy) Gorst of Little Lake; a son-in-law, Leo Tubeszewski of Milwaukee, WI; her grandchildren, Michael (Mary) Carini, Ross (Kathy) Carini, Robert (Joan) Carini, Anthony Carini, Dr. William (Michelle) Carini, Christopher (Jean) Carini, Karen Gorst, Patricia (Dr. Mark) Pensis, and Gregory (Chris) Gorst; twenty-two great-grandchildren; two great great-grandchildren; three sisters, Hazel Bussiere of Marquette, Gloria Keni of Negaunee, and Barbara Strongman of Ishpeming; two sisters-in-law, Patricia LaFreniere of Ishpeming and Mildred Gorst Anderson of Marquette; and numerous nieces and nephews.  In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her husband, William on April 2, 1975; her daughter, Mary Tubeszewski; two great-grandchildren; three sisters, Irene Brown, Ermaline Wilson, and Leona Grant; and five brothers, Edlore “Pat”, Paul, Leo, Lawrence, and Julius LaFreniere; and several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Bishop’s Room at St. Peter Cathedral on Tuesday, December 14, beginning at 10:00 am.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am Tuesday morning in the Cathedral with Rev. Msgr. Louis Cappo, rector, as celebrant.  Helen’s grandchildren will serve as escorts.  A reception for family and friends will follow in Cathedral Hall.  Burial will be made in the Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Norlite Patient Activity Fund, 701 Homestead, Marquette, MI 49855.

The Fassbender Funeral Home is serving the family.