Helen C Cates

Helen Carroll Anné was born on August 9, 1927 in Chicago, IL. Her home throughout most of her childhood was Angel Guardian Orphanage - an establishment respected for teaching children structure, discipline, and developing a strong Christian foundation. These qualities remained strong in her character the rest of her life. Helen loved school, especially her time at Chicago’s Mercy High School, where she graduated in 1945. After high school Helen and her mother took a trip to Galveston, TX, which immediately became her home for most of the next nearly 50 years. She married Lee Paschetag on June 16, 1950 and was a proud mother of their 3 children. Helen worked as a bank teller until around 1971. She later worked at UTMB for 20 years until her retirement. Helen married Gerald (Gerry) Cates on December 16, 1990. They lived in Sun City Summerlin in Las Vegas from 1994 until 2014, before returning to Texas. She moved to McKendree Village in Hermitage, TN after Gerry’s death in 2015.

Helen had a smile and friendly genuineness that brought her many friends and job opportunities. She was an excellent housekeeper, had outstanding organization skills, and was always prepared for the next task, event, or whatever came her way. Her favorite pastimes were spending time with her family, going to the Galveston beach, playing softball, bike riding, walking, watching Astros baseball, playing Scrabble, preparing meals and desserts that were favorites to her family and friends.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband of 24 years Gerald Cates, Sr. and the family of Charlie (Pop) and Florence Paschetag. She is survived by her daughter Terri Paschetag and husband Steve Ireland, son Charles Paschetag, son James Paschetag and his wife Ruby; her grandchildren Charlie Wright, Benjamin Ireland, Sarah Ireland, Heather Newcomb and husband Todd, Kendahl Connolly and husband Chuck, Phillippe Paschetag, and Seth Paschetag; her great-grandchildren Dakota, Taylor, and Colby Newcomb. Other survivors include Gerry’s daughters Cheryl Monson and Teresa Stone, his son Gerald Cates, Jr,, and long time close family friend Larry Wright.