Helen R. Cockerham, 94, of Waterloo, passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at Wellspring Living Health Center of Friendship Village. Her life was defined by kindness, love, and an enduring commitment to others, qualities that touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Helen was born in Orange Township on January 19, 1931, to John D. and Belle E. (Smith) Lichty. She graduated from Waterloo West High School in 1949 and earned her nursing degree from Allen Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in 1952, where she forged lifelong friendships. The "52 Club," as they fondly called themselves, gathered regularly for lunches filled with reminiscing and laughter.

Helen married Raymond L. Cockerham in Waterloo on September 10, 1955, and together they embraced the adventure of raising three children. While raising their family, the back door to their home was always open, offering comfort, laughter, and homemade chocolate chip cookies to relatives, neighbors, and the many friends who passed through. In addition to her role as a devoted mother, Helen worked as a registered nurse at Schoitz Memorial Hospital, where her compassion and dedication to care left a lasting impact on patients and colleagues alike.

After the passing of her husband Raymond, Helen moved to independent living at Friendship Village. There, she found a new community and created meaningful relationships. She enjoyed working on puzzles and sharing laughs with her lunch table friends and beloved neighbors.

Helen is preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Betty Phillips, Lorene Dobson, John "Jack" Lichty, and Mavis Loonan.

She will be greatly missed by her children, Randi Cockerham of Waterloo, Mark (Cherie) Cockerham of Clearwater, FL, and Lori (Dan Schmitt) Catalano of Fort Collins, CO; three grandchildren, Ben Cockerham, Sarah (Andrew) Karlesky, and Jennifer Cockerham; two step-grandchildren, Nick and Jenna Catalano; two great-grandchildren, Olivia and Jacob Karlesky; and many beloved nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors, and extended family. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the precious memories she helped create.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 7, 2025, at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave, Waterloo.

Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Locke at Tower Park. Burial will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery-Waterloo.

The Cockerham Family kindly asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be directed to Unity Point Health-Allen Foundation or the Northeast Iowa Food Bank in Helen's honor.

Locke at Tower Park is serving the family. Please visit lockefuneralservices.com to offer your condolences.