Helen Marie Cromp
_{August 5, 1945 - February 2, 2024}

Thank you to everyone who posted memories on this site or came to Helen’s Celebration of Life!

If you would still like to share memories or reflections about the amazing Helen Cromp, please email DeAnn dcromp@gmail.com (We are closing comments on this website because of spam content)

Every time I saw Helen at a family holiday, she always had a smile, a joke, and a hug. She was the life of the party. Helen must have been a very supportive mom to enjoy a Haunted House in her driveway for many Halloweens. I hope she's hanging out with Shirl on the other side.

I want to be DeAnn's mom to my kids' friends when I grow up. I have a middle schooler and I look forward to the day I can tell her friends they have sexy phone voices, look like stunning supermodels, or remind them their eggs are dying. Mrs. Cromp's somewhat unusual compliments were edgy, saucy, and gave us a little nudge in the right 'love thyself' kind of direction. Like we were going to be ok and to let time do its magic, and to be ready to rock it. Most of all I remember Mrs. Cromp just beaming when she talked about DeAnn, Gary Charles, and DeAnn's dad. She adored her family. She was so proud of them, so proud she got to know her kids' friends and the ones that had the sexiest phone voices were the keepers. Thank you for your extraordinary warmth and love, Mrs. Cromp!

Like many of us, I have been friends with DeAnn since the 7th grade, and got to be her roomie during and after college. This gave me the added pleasure of getting to see her wonderful parents throughout the years, often at the pumpkin patch, casual dining establishment, or celebration of DeAnn’s milestones. I always thought Mrs. Cromp was so effervescent and such a character. You could not leave a conversation without a generous hug, a huge smile on your face, while simultaneously blushing so hard (being asked about your love life or being warned about your dying eggs will do that).

I had never met someone that reminds me so much of my dad like Mrs. Cromp did. The charisma and ability to make friends in an instant, the unconventional small talk and personal questions, the generosity, the interesting sleep schedule, the laughter and twinkle in your eye, and the aura of love. I will truly miss you Momma Cromp, you were an absolute treasure.

When I met Helen Cromp, it was in the mid to late 60s. Her sister was dating my uncle and our families lived right down the street from each other. I met her mom, Rose her sister, Shirley, and her brothers would hang out with my uncle. Everything that is being written about Helen is spot on. As young as I was back then, I couldn’t wait for her to speak because I knew it was gonna be epic. She said exactly what she felt. It didn’t matter whether it was appropriate or not. It was just real. Never mean spirited. There wasn’t a mean bone in her body. You could feel that she genuinely cared about you and that’s a rare gift. As I got older I truly appreciated her comic timing. It was a comedy dream, OK this is Helen. It was a wet dream let’s be real. That was for you, Helen! As an adult I was lucky enough to share with her, that I became a parent. she sent the sweetest gift to my daughter. her very first Christmas ornament hand signed by Helen. a porcelain pair of baby booties. It’s one of the first ornaments that I still put on my tree 38 years later. Helen was an example of living your truth and back in the 60s for a woman to do that was incredible to watch and experience. Like all of you, I too, was very lucky and fortunate to experience the gift that was Helen. Every time we remember her, she will be with us.

She came over to our home right across the street to give us Christmas gifts. She was excited to do so even if she was late. That was the fourth time in our home. We did most our visiting in her driveway. We could talk forever. Neighbors for 52 years and will miss her immensely. Our love to all the family. Heaven just got A GRAND LADY.

Sometimes when the sun doesn’t shine

I’ve yelled at my girls too much,

Found fleas on my kitty-cat (again!)

Ran out of milk during breakfast.

Then finally I arrive at Baldwin School barely in time,

Helen is there, smiling,

Smiling at me!

How does Helen know how badly I NEED her contagious smile?

Uncanny how Helen spreads her warmth and sincerity to thaw my cold, angry heart!

I feel enriched as my smile finally breaks out.

Once again, Helen has undone all my negativity.

And now the sun shines again as it ALWAYS does when Helen is there with me.

Thank you, dearest Helen, for the countless times you have made me laugh so hard that my tummy hurts, and we’ve turned heads.

You truly appreciated life to the fullest and shared that view with everyone you’ve touched!

I had happily been able to meet with Helen often the past couple years. Though perhaps she might have tougher days she always came by hoping to make your day brighter. It had been a joy getting to know you, Helen. You were loved very much and you shared that love in a most spectacular way with those around you.

When I first learned DeAnn's mom had passed away all I could picture was her smile! She was such a warm, loving, and joyful person. She shared that with everyone she saw. And those of us who were lucky enough to have actually met her got to witness her other most referenced side....her hilariously (in)appropriate sense of humor. I STILL laugh thinking about some of the wonderful times I interacted with her. Reading everyone else's stories on here is one hell of a pick-me-up and reminder of the enviable legacy she's leaving. Once when I was in my 20's, I ran into her outside of Nob Hill in the parking lot, where she was sitting in her car ready to leave. I hadn't seen her in quite a few years, so I was surprised she remembered me. First off, she practically cat-called me to the car....HAHA. Then she asked me how I was doing and what my plans were. All of the thoughtful things an extended family member might be interested in. Before we ended our conversation, she was insistent on giving me some important life advice. She loudly and gleefully implored me (in the parking lot) to "date as many men as possible!!" and to "have lots of fun"! Oh, Mrs. Cromp...you are going to be sorely missed!! With love, Jennifer.

I'm drawing on decades-old memories, but the ones I have of Mrs. Cromp burn bright, as she was such a special spirit with a unique zest for life. I've loved reading everyone's comments, as it seems with memories older and newer alike, she remained the same wonderfully witty and sassy Mrs. Cromp that I first met in kindergarten - the funny and friendly mommy of adorable, porcelain doll DeAnn! Best memories for me were yummy visits to Taco Bell (my first Mexican Pizza!) and fun little shopping trips. She was always smiling (I can't picture her without one!), her awesome high ponytail in our Baldwin days, and of course her consistently shocking yet amusing comments. I didn't fully appreciate them in my younger years (i.e. understand them, probably to my parents' relief, lol), but particular ones have stayed with me... such as NFL players' uniforms (specifically their pants)... they will forever remind me of Mrs. Cromp and her, um, appreciation of how tight they were to perfectly highlight their derrieres.

She thoughtfully kept in touch with holiday cards throughout the years - one of my favorites is a photo of funny snowmen, hand-labeled with all of our family's names, complete with a sweet note, and tucked into an envelope adorned with a festive hamster. I am keeping it forever.

The world was definitely brighter and funnier with Mrs. Cromp in it, and I am so very thankful that I was lucky enough to have been touched by her warmth and light.

(Continued- part 2) But as I am reminiscing about her life, I now know that Mrs. Cromp's fixation with the details are what really mattered. She always made me feel important. Her happiness was unwavering, her laughter so unique and infectious. Her love so genuine. Mrs. Cromp cared about the details because she knew those were what mattered to me at the time. Over the years, she still asked about me and my life, even though regretfully, I hadn’t seen her much at all, but of course she’d never make me feel guilty for it. “Live your life” was really her motto and what she taught all of us early on. You are sorely missed Mrs. Cromp but how lucky I am to have been loved by you.

As a kid in high school, running into a parent was not often “cool” but at least Mrs. Cromp made each encounter interesting! Back then, I would always hesitate a bit before responding to her many questions, for fear of offering too many details, which triggered even more questions, and often made us late to wherever we were headed! I didn’t quite understand all of the details Mrs. Cromp probed about - why it mattered to her to ask about the cutest boy in school, or how I felt about a certain teacher, or the small-then-meaningless gifts she gave DeAnn, often shared with me (think random notes, $1 toys, halloween candy, or a Valentines that was shared a day or two late)! I also didn’t fully appreciate her very tight hugs (and how often they were forced on me!), and commenting on how my hair smelled after she hugged me.

My mom had a very 'special' sense of humor (see my friend Martha's story about the time when I was in junior high and my mom wrapped a gift for my male friend in a tampon box - which she did completely out of mischief!) and a distorted sense of time (which is why she was late to everything). These two facets of her personality did the most damage around April Fools Day. She would call me upset about a very serious situation - such as my dad being in a bad car accident - and let me react for awhile before shouting with glee "April Fools!" and cracking up laughing. The problem was that she often didn't know what day it was, so I would be taken off guard when receiving these scary calls on March 29th or April 3rd ... oh mamacita...

There are so many ways to love, but Helen's way so deep, so thoughtful, and so inspiring. I remember the first time we met, I was pretty aloof at the time, and she asked me this really personal question right away. I was a bit surprised, and embarrassed, but rather than feel offended, she just smiled, and comforted, and complimented, and reassured. And within a few minutes, I felt like I had another mother and was telling her things I hadn't told anyone else. She was so special that way, just able to connect with people so quickly, and make them feel loved.

So many years later, married to her wonderful daughter, I would listen to her phone calls with DeAnn and hear the way that same spirit of cozy, enveloping love came through in their conversations, even a thousand miles away. There was always laughter, always stories, always probing, loving curious questions. She filled our lives with a kind of love and care that will be impossible to replace. We love you Helen, and we will always do our best to live up to the model of love you showed us every day.

My memories of Helen are almost all at the pumpkin patch. If you don’t know, a visit to the pumpkin patch is an important annual milestone in the Cromp family. My favorite memory was in the fall of 2014. I was a newlywed, and I brought my new husband and stepdaughter to the patch with me to meet DeAnn and her family. Upon our arrival, I greeted Helen and introduced her to my new spouse. She immediately looked him up and down, touched his stomach, and exclaimed, “Oh! You are very virile!” Although a little taken aback, my husband managed to reply, “Uh, thank you!” It was the perfect introduction to Helen. She will be missed!

Adding another person among many that will fondly remember Mrs. Cromp (aka DeAnn’s mom) for her humor, kindness, and being a cool parent. Encounters with DeAnn’s mom were always a treat, and I never left a conversation with or about her without a smile. When we were younger, she was the maker of legends - not only letting DeAnn wear the coolest Nirvana shirt to a junior high dance, but also coming to the rescue (and always supporting her daughter) when the school took issue with the shirt. Through high school and college, whether our friends got to talk to DeAnn’s mom was a topic of joy all in its own. Did Mrs. Cromp pick up the phone? Did she ask you about your love life? A yes to the first question meant you were lucky, and also that you were likely to answer yes to the second question with a great story to follow. More recently, Mrs. Cromp would ask about our kids too (and when we’d be having more - eggs weren’t getting any younger, after all, she’d joke). Will remember all the laughs and joy she shared with us all.

When I think of Helen Cromp, I will always remember how she talked so animatedly about how wonderful her daughter DeAnn was. I remember thinking I wished my mom was this proud of me too. I’ll remember her sweet cards and how she gave me a little gift when I became a nurse. I’ll remember our chats at Taco Bell, Urban Plates, and the driveway of the Cromp residence. And finally as others have said, I’ll remember her legendary hugs. You’ll be missed, Mommy Cromp.

The first time I met Mrs. Cromp, I appreciated her immense warmth and sincerity. These are qualities that made Mrs. Cromp, as Alex wrote, one of the "cool" parents. She will be greatly missed.

I had the pleasure of meeting Helen a few times over the past two decades, and the thing that struck me the most about her was just how full of joy and charm she was. And how she held onto the funniest little detail about you. To her, I was DeAnn's duck guy friend, the one who once took a stuffed duck from the side of the road on a whim and a dare. Every now and again, DeAnn would tell me stories about how she'd be spending time with her mom and she'd ask about the duck guy.

I wish I could have known her better. I'll never forget how much she reminded me of my own mom and hearing DeAnn's stories about her time with Helen always left me feeling just a touch homesick.

Goodbye Helen

As many of you have said, Mrs Cromp was the parent of my friends who stood out the most to me growing up. She would always answer the phone with a hysterical “oh hiiiii” once she recognized my voice. And I could always hear DeAnn in the background freaking out that her mom was talking so much to her friends. But with that “hiiiii” was so much kindness. Hysterically, she frequently complimented my voice (told me I should be on the radio- lol) but her genuine interest in my life and her many kind words in the short moments between when she would answer the phone before DeAnn could get to the phone are something I have never forgotten.

I loved reading about Mrs. Cromp and in knowing DeAnn, so much of her spirit of love, humor, life, and bringing joy and light to people around her lives on strongly in DeAnn-- I am so grateful that she had you there with her DeAnn and that she transitioned from this world with your hand in hers. Sending her spirit so much love and also so much love to you and your family ... huge, long hug

Mrs. Cromp was someone impossible to forget. Baldwin Elementary feels like a lifetime ago for me, but can still picture her smiling face and remember her boundless energy and wonderful sense of humor.

Remember Mrs. Cromp helping out in 3rd grade to help us clean out our little molded plastic under-desk bins. Remember both having no idea how to do this and being embarrassed at the number of broken crayons in mine. Just remember her face smiling and laughing and helping me feel better by being her usual wonderful self. Regardless of circumstance she was always there laughing and joking and being a ray of sunshine to all around her.

You were the best Mrs. Cromp and I am better having known you.

There are too many (mostly awkward) moments to share as I think through just how amazing, and caring, Mrs Cromp was. Her hugs are legendary. Her breast grabs still scare my former roommate. Her inappropriate questions explain DeAnn so well. How if she picked up the phone (when I used to call DeAnn's land line), I'd be lucky to eventually get to speak to DeAnn.

Helen was one of the most memorable people I've ever met. Her voice. Her hugs. Her genuine care for you and your life. Her laugh.

Goodbye Helen. You've made everyone else's life brighter.

Helen sent a wonderful Xmas card to me during the Covid pandemic, expressing concern for our well-being in Portland, even though she had her own concerns for her children who lived far from her. I knew how important her family was to her and I loved seeing her beautiful smile when I finally got to meet her at DeAnn's wedding. It was also fun to send her a gift card to In-n-Out for mother-daughter time in San Jose and I'm sure that had I lived closer to her, I could have enjoyed that "twisted" sense of humor while we shared a meal there, too. Most importantly, on that Christmas card, she added cat and toy mouse stickers. She truly "got me." Thanks, Helen, for sharing your joy of life with the rest of us!

I loved hearing stories about you Helen from DeAnn! They always made me smile as my mom has the same kind of humor! I know you will be missed by many!

I enjoyed talking and laughing over breakfast!with Helen! She loved listening to music as we drove around town. :) I will miss your sweet smile and spirit. <3 My prayers and love go out to the family!!

Mrs. Cromp was SUCH a bright and loving person. In high school, I felt like she was one of the ‘cool’ parents and, to be honest, felt a little jealous of DeAnn. I will always remember your wit and humor!

Helen ("Crampie's mom") plays an outsize role in my junior high and high school memories relative to the time I actually spent in her presence. She was by far the wackiest, funniest, most unconventional parent in our friend group. Perhaps the incident that best exemplifies her sense of humor (or mischief) occurred at the birthday party of my eighth- or ninth-grade boyfriend, Andy. Me, DeAnn, our friends, and assorted classmates, including the popular kids, were gathered around Andy opening his presents. He opened one unremarkable gift after another until he got to DeAnn's, lovingly wrapped by Helen. He tore open the paper to reveal... a box of tampons. Only there were no tampons; the gift (the nature of which has been lost to history) was placed inside the empty Tampax box because it had been lying around and Helen thought she might as well repurpose it, not knowing how much embarrassment that would cause her daughter in a room full of eighth graders (or maybe she did know). I still remember the howls of laughter and DeAnn turning crimson up to her scalp. Oh, Helen... You will be sorely missed.

Gary here son Some good ones. Helen Cromp movies... Subtitles weird plots... Trauma to sister.. Gary you can have a whopper De Ann gets chicky chicky fried chicky.... KFC is what she meant sister went years be fore eating it. Put the car in the key and turn on wiper winsheids.. I was 10 at the time... Recently everything is weird ass... 30 times or more in conversation. I was happy I was able to share what I have been doing now and my clients like David Nutter producer of Game of Thrones and Melanie Martinez season 3 winner the Voice. She was so happy Robin and I are doing so good. This was our last call 10 days before she passed

She was Great person she was very funny she will be and miss love you alll

DeAnn here again - please do not feel you need to write some eloquent narrative - just share your favorite stories! I have to share that in the hospital, she told one of the nurses "Hey, guess what, I had 5 hot men in my bedroom yesterday!" Luckily I was there to provide some additional context that she was referring to the Emergency Medical Service professionals who responded to my dad's 911 call and gave her a ride to the hospital, lol. She added more details with glee about how strong and nice these men were when escorting her. 100% Helen Cromp, even in the hospital.

I did not have the fortune of knowing her but I have the Blessing of knowing her son Gary and it has been a beautiful Blessing in our lives to know him and count him as part of our family! I hope the Light of Divinity covers all your Hearts and understand that only her Soul has chosen to come back to help us as Humanity from her new space, may the Hand of God always guide you on your path, and only send Love from your Being to this beautiful Soul that has come back to God’s arms, Blessing for the family!! We Love you Gary!!!♥️🙏🏻🌹

This memorial allows me to know what kind of person she was. I didn’t know her, but I know her son, Gary. May her family find comfort in how wonderful she lived her life and that her life was full. Blessings and love

Aunt Helen was a beautiful, hilarious person. My favorite part of Christmas was her coming through the door after all the festivities were over, greeting us with her warm hugs. I loved getting her Christmas gifts in July. I remember my high school graduation and how she had all my friends laughing. I love how she told people how handsome and beautiful they were. She was so incredibly warm, funny and joyful. I’m so sad she’s not with us, but happy she’s reunited with Aunt Shirley, another beautiful human. I’m so grateful for their love and I hope they’re living it up on the other side.

My mom showed her love for me in so many ways - loving notes she hid in the lunches she packed me for school, sending me cards addressed from our pet cats, and driving me all over the place for endless activities (volunteering at the hospital, Model United Nations, French Club, oh my goodness so many things and she never complained). She was so supportive and proud of me reaching my educational goals, including the most recent when I changed careers to become a nurse (even though I was embarrassed when she would brag about me to strangers). She was hilarious - but I will let others tell some of those stories. It was such a gift and honor to be loved as unconditionally and deeply by my mamacita.