Helen Marcella Oliver

Helen M. (Marketich) "Johnnie" Oliver 86 of Indianapolis died May 14, 2012. Helen was born and grew up in New Castle, Pennsylvania. She and her siblings were raised in a tri-lingual household – Croatian, Polish, and English. Her parents were ahead of their time in growing and preparing food along with many other aspects of life. During the most difficult times of the 1930's, her parents would prepare large stews and soups to feed the homeless and "hobos", as she described them, that wondered by looking for a meal. Right after high school, Helen joined the US Army and was shipped overseas. Many times she told the stories of her miserable, sick trip across the ocean. It was there, in Vienna, she met Herb Oliver. After their discharges from the Army in 1945, they married. Helen became "Johnnie" to her oldest and dearest friends and family. After living with the Oliver family on Pershing in their very early years, the Olivers moved to "the Moon farm" at 56th and (now) Moonlight Drive as caretakers. Many "farm stories" were generated there and both children were brought home to that farm when born. In 1957, Herb discovered a diamond in the rough farm house and land at the corner of Thompson Road and Southeastern Avenue in Franklin Township. Helen refused to get out of the car when Herb took her to see the house but eventually softened. The Olivers refurbished that home and lived there for 15 years along with the elder Oliver parents. Ironically, in the same township as the new Oliver home, lived the Frengel family who were part of a family also in New Castle, Pennsylvania who owned a well-known "tavern" there. The Frengel tavern was known for lamb recipes. In 1969, this wonderful home was sold to another family with several children who then enjoyed it for nearly 40 years! Herb and Helen "downsized" to smaller home where they still reside. Helen was a secretary at Atkomatic Valve Company for 16 years retiring in 1983 close to the time Herb also retired from Indiana Bell Telephone. The Olivers then enjoyed the next many many years traveling, boating, and eventually motorhoming. They were involved in the Coast Guard Auxiliary for many years and most recently are members of the Stars of Indy (Good Sam) camping club. Helen was a member of Nativity Catholic Church. In the most recent last few years, Helen and Herb drove to Mission, Texas for the winter to avoid the Indiana chill but also in Mission, Helen was able to attend and worship at her beloved, old world, Catholic Hispanic church there. It is this rich history of home, parties, activities, and organization that built the large base of the wonderful friends and family of the Olivers that now reach out to the family in this time of comfort and need! Helen was preceded in death by her siblings Louis and Carol Marketich. Graveside services are scheduled for Friday May 18, 2012 at Washington Park North Cemetery at 11 AM with calling one hour prior at Flanner and Buchanan- Washington Park North. Helen is survived by her husband Herbert Oliver, her children Norman Oliver and Kristina Wilcher grandchildren; Nathan and Aaron Kamstra, Tracy Martin and Craig Oliver and her siblings Charlotte Pitzer, Patty Boyd and Stanley, Eugene, Rudy and Edwin Marketich. Memorial contributions may be given to God's Bounty Food Pantry 8946 Southeastern Ave Indpls, IN 46239. You are invited to go to the Guest Book page to pass along your personal message or tell a story. Sincerely, -Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan