Josette Coyle
May 22, 1925 - March 28, 2025
Obituary
Josette Coyle, age 99, passed away on Friday, March 28, 2025, at her home. She was born on May 22, 1925, to Francois and Anna (Scarcligli) Tiano in Nice, France. Josette married Levi Helwick on July 16, 1945, in Lyon, France, while he was in the US Army European Theater. She arrived in New York on May 20, 1946, on the “Zebulon Vance” navy hospital ship with 500 war brides from England, France and Belgium. Their marriage lasted 32 years and Levi passed away in December 1976.
Josette lived in Rockford, IL, Long Beach, CA and Madison, WI. She made headlines on the “Rockford Morning Star” for saving her son from a terrible house fire and suffered many burns doing so. Josette was a volunteer for the Cub Scouts and a Den Mother for many years while living in Rockford. She liked the lakes but always missed the sea.
Josette married Don Coyle on August 27, 1977, at St. Paul Chapel in Madison, WI by reverend Father Tom Coyle and they took many trips abroad; France, Italy, Spain, the Caribbeans plus the islands of Puerto Rico, Martinique and Guadeloupe, along with a few cruises. Don passed away in October 2011. Their marriage lasted 34 years until his passing.
She worked over 20 years for the D.N.R in Madison and the bureau of Finance. After retiring, Josette volunteered at the University Hospital and Clinics and also for Respite Care Catholic Services for many years. She enjoyed watching the Packers games, playing cards with her friends and she also loved to read and travel. Josette could knit, crochet and sew just about anything. In 1996 she gave a big party for her family and friends to celebrate 50 years in the United States. She spoke French, English, Italian, and some Spanish.
Josette is survived by her daughter-in-law, Rosa Helwick; son-in-law, Vern Meier; 12 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one sister, Simone Baise, other family from Haguenau, France and many other friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; children, Jimmy Helwick, Barbara Meier, Simone Helwick; and grandson, Angel Helwick.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at St. Dennis Catholic Church, 505 Dempsey Rd, Madison, WI. Visitation will take place from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service. Interment will be held at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, 2705 Regent St, Madison, WI.
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Memories
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Elaine
Friend •
Our deepest sympathy to the family of Josette. She was such a dear and wonderful lady. We met her through Rose Gross, who lived at Waunakee Manor too. We played cards with her and Rose and developed a good friendship with Josette through Rose. After Rose died, we continue to visit Josette. I´m just sorry I didn´t get a chance to see her before she passed. Again, our deepest sympathy to all the family. She was a lovely and caring person and always a lot of fun to spend time with. Love and hugs to all. Elaine & Tom Walstad
E
Elaine
Friend •
Our deepest sympathy to the family of Josette. She was such a dear and wonderful lady. We met her through Rose Gross, who lived at Waunakee Manor too. We played cards with her and Rose and developed a good friendship with Josette through Rose. After Rose died, we continue to visit Josette. I´m just sorry I didn´t get a chance to see her before she passed. Again, our deepest sympathy to all the family. She was a lovely and caring person and always a lot of fun to spend time with. Love and hugs to all. Elaine & Tom Walstad
PL
Pat Launder
Other •
I meet Josette while working at DNR in the mid-70s. We've continued to be best friends ever since. I have many happy memories of lunch hour walks around the Capitol Square, always joking, laughing and sharing family stories. After retiring we tried to meet monthly for lunch with another dear friend, Jan Sanden. We called ourselves the JJP trio. Rest in Peace, dear friend. Love you. Pat Launder
BM
BAISE Michel
Other •
Des tendres pensées pour Josette de la part sa soeur Simone des ses neveux, ses petits neveux et petites-nièces de France. Repose en paix. Love
CP
Cathy Pond
Other •
I knew Josette during the years she lived at Waunakee Manor. I had the privilege of visiting her on a monthly basis as one of the visitors from St. Peter's Church. She was always such a warm and caring lady — so willing to share stories about her family, friends and adventures. May she rest in peace! Cathy Pond
BS
Baise Sébastien
Other •
Pleines pensée à josette je n'oublierais pas mon voyage chez elle et la decouverte des etats unis avec elle de super moment, qu'elle repose en paix grosse pensée à la famille Baise Sébastien