Helen Elynor Willie DRAPER — Helen E. Willie, 88, died Aug. 12, 2010. Willie was born May 21, 1922 in New Diggings, Wisc. After growing up in a Catholic orphanage, she joined the U.S. Marine Corps. She served as a gunnery instructor at Camp LeJune, N.C. She demonstrated finesse feeding hundreds of people at military functions and soup kitchens. Because her military service was such a life-changing experience, her later years were primarily focused on providing assistance to women and homeless veterans, which led to the formation of the non-profit organization Operation Stand Down in Utah. She was an advocate for the underdog, receiving many accolades for her work. She was appointed the Utah coordinator for Women in Military Service Memorial Foundation and was recognized by the Help Hospitalized Veterans organization as a Donor of the Year in 2008. She also received awards from the Disabled American Veterans, and the Bonnie Anderson Memorial Award. She was presented a Community Service Award and "The Home Town Builders Award" by the Fraternal Order of the Eagles. Willie enjoyed painting and had an adventurous and mischievous spirit, which led her to snowmobiling, fishing and traveling. She was very social and enjoyed her family and grandchildren, teaching them to be strong and independent. She is survived by her children, grandchildren and many friends. A Memorial Mass was celebrated at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church. Inurnment was in the Utah Veterans Memorial Park in Bluffdale.
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