Helenanne Kingsbury

Driven, selfless, and devoted to the family she loved, Helenanne Kingsbury lived her life with generosity. Known for her love of people, she held a special place in her heart for her children and grandchildren. Helenanne modeled a strong work ethic and compassion for others, leaving behind a wonderful collection of memories for her many special friends and beloved family to cherish forever.

Her story began in 1942, during a time marked by World War II. Families in the United States were experiencing gas rationing of only three gallons a week, and a new breed of war-themed movies was debuting in theaters. During the years of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency, Clarence and Louella (Meyer) Otte welcomed their baby girl on March 4 in Chicago, Illinois.

Helenanne grew up in the Catholic foster care system until she was placed in the loving home of Christopher and Mary O’Connell. Her childhood days were filled with the typical interests of a young person of the times.

At the age of 14, while at her family’s summer home on Lake Delavan, Wisconsin, Helenanne met her future husband, Clyde “Butch” Kingsbury Jr. She knew from the moment they met that he was the one. They dated before marrying when she was nineteen. Butch, a soldier in the United States Navy, was the love of her life until his passing in 1993. Together, they raised five wonderful children: Christina, Laura, Kimberly, David, and Joshua.

As a mother, Helenanne was deeply involved. She worked as a nurse, which afforded her a flexible schedule to manage the family home and care for the kids. She later pursued a variety of small family businesses, including running a daycare, an educational toy store, and a restaurant. She also played an active role in running the family farm. Her charming personality was a perfect fit for spending time with children. She made many sacrifices over the years to ensure her kids had the best of everything. Helenanne modeled generosity as well as self-reliance, and her fierce independence and ability to take care of herself were inspiring to her growing family.

Eventually, she met Bill Treadway online, and the two shared twenty loving years together in Paris, Tennessee, before retiring in Kalamazoo, Michigan. They shared a remarkable life.

Helenanne had many hobbies and interests, which included remodeling both her own homes and her family’s homes. Even in her sixties, she was busy cutting tile, building cabinets, and working hard to complete projects. In the kitchen, she was an excellent baker—her specialties included cakes, cookies, and her famous banana bread. She also loved to garden and, every spring, planted beautiful flowers. Holidays were always important to her, and when it came to Christmas and gift-giving, she went all out. She loved buying special gifts, especially the latest kitchen gadgets. Helenanne would do anything to support her family, and her hard work and dedication to them did not go unnoticed over the years.

In her later years, she met James online. Hitting it off from the start, Helenanne was thrilled that he loved to camp. He moved down from Midland, and together they enjoyed many camping trips in his camper, exploring places across the state. They had a special spot up north near Sears, overlooking Big Lake.

Helenanne enjoyed hosting family gatherings and was a wonderful grandmother. Known for movie dates, sleepovers, and card parties, there was always fun when she was around. She loved having everyone over and even created a stage for her granddaughter to perform during family events. Her parties were always over the top, with activities and themes that made everyone feel welcome and engaged. Music was her thing, and her favorite tunes—Barbra Streisand, Meat Loaf, Neil Diamond, and Celine Dion—were often playing throughout the house. Helenanne also took up ballroom dancing and enjoyed her time on the dance floor. She instilled in her children the value and importance of living life to the fullest.

It was evident to everyone who knew her that her family was the center of her life. Described as the sweetest person, Helenanne will be deeply missed. Her loving and nurturing ways were her greatest legacy. May her loved ones hold on to her special memories and allow them to warm their hearts forevermore.

Helenanne Kingsbury of Portage, MI age 83, died on August 12, 2025. Helenanne was born March 4, 1942, in Chicago, IL, to Clarence and Louella (Meyer) Otte.

Helenanne was preceded in death by her husbands, Clyde Jr. “Butch” Kingsbury and Bill Treadway; parents, Clarence and Louella (Meyer) Otte; sons, Joshua and David Kingsbury; and siblings, Clarence Otte, Edward Otte, William Meyer, and Margaret Engstrom.

Surviving are her children: Christina Kingsbury, Laura Kingsbury (Ronald Marko), Kimberly (Marcio) Kingsbury Curvelo; husband, James Bourne; grandchildren, Katie, Elizabeth, Michael (Lexi), Troy, Matthew, Tyler, Andrew, and Alessandra; great-grandchildren, Shay, Nash, and Brynlee; many nieces and nephews; and foster sisters, Delores Flaws, Mary Wright, and Kathleen Morley.