Helen M. McCollum's Obituary
Helen Marie McCollum, age 74, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2023, surrounded by her family. She was born on May 20, 1948, to Nicholas and Sophia Ann (Jarosik) Campagna in Muskegon. Helen loved to cook and worked for a variety of companies in the food service industry including the Mona Lake Boating Club, Muskegon Heights Public School system, Lee’s Famous Recipe, and her favorite job at Sacred Heart School where she ran the hot lunch program for many years until the school’s closure. On February 20, 1965 she married Henry Louis McCollum and they spent 57 wonderful years together. Her family was an important part of her life and she cherished every moment with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren especially large family gatherings during the holidays. Later in life some of her fondest memories were of the long drives she would take with her husband on a warm summer or fall day. She will be missed by her loving husband, Henry McCollum; sons, Nicholas (Paula) McCollum, John (Tracy) McCollum; daughter Gina (Tim Poe) Sharlow; grandchildren, Kayleigh (Toby) McCollum-Nuñez, Brant (Maisey Peterson) McCollum, Connor McCollum, Justine McGhee, Hillary (Tom) Miller, Christian Habener, Lyndsey Habener, Autumn Sharlow; great-grandchildren, Evangeline Nuñez, Brooke Vargo, Daylen Strang, Jacarri McGhee, Jordan McGhee, Jayceon McGhee, Violet Miller, Georgia Miller, Harrison Miller, Audrina Habener, Brezlyn Habener, Zaylee Habener, Gabriella Martinez, Noel Martinez; sisters, Louise LaFrance, Lisa (Terry) Weaver; and special niece, Nicole (Angela) Weaver. She was preceded in death by her parents; and beloved son Henry Louis McCollum Jr. A Mass of Christian Burial for Helen will be celebrated on Friday, February 3, 2023, at 11:00 AM at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 1716 Sixth St. Muskegon, MI 49441. Visitation will take place on Thursday, February 2, 2023, from 5:30 – 8:00 PM at the Lee Chapel of The Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St. Norton Shores, MI 49444. A saying of the Rosary will precede the visitation at 5 PM. Feel free to share a memory with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Helen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Helen?
Share a story where Helen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Helen you’ll never forget.
How did Helen make you smile?

