Helen Frances (Lis) Liljegren passed away peacefully on December 3 at the age of 79. The daughter of Anthony and Jennie Lis, Helen was raised in Newburgh, New York. She later attended Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education with a major in painting. After marrying, she moved to Dearborn, Michigan where she has resided for over 50 years.

True to her education and training, Helen began her artistic career as a high school art teacher in Manhattan, New York, and subsequently a painter of abstract oil paintings on large canvases. When she became a mother, Helen redirected her artistic energies to become a sought-after fiber artist specializing in wrapped fiber wall hangings and sculptural weavings. Her award-winning work could be seen at high-end art shows in Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, and Wisconsin as well as in art galleries. She was also commissioned by organizations and individuals to create one-of-a-kind pieces, such as a 60-foot wall hanging for the Top of the Pontch restaurant in the Pontchartrain Hotel in downtown Detroit.

Helen loved the theatre and over her life combined this love with her innate artistry and skill with a paintbrush. As a theatrical scenic designer/painter, her singular style graced many stages over the thirty years she designed sets for area theatres including The Dearborn Players Guild, Marquis Theatre (Northville, Michigan), Dearborn Civic Theater, and Wyandotte Community Theater. Through her sets, she transported audiences to new or different places and invited them into the magic of live theatre, enriching them in the process. Helen earned numerous awards for her set designs and visionary scenic interpretations, and, for her exceptional contributions and lifetime achievement, she was inducted into the Dearborn Theatre Hall of Fame in 2001. She remained notably humble through it all.

In addition to her artistic bent, Helen possessed a zeal for educating. She was a Master Presenter at The Henry Ford and Greenfield Village for just under 25 years. During that time, Helen inspired guests of all ages from around the world through her uniquely kind and patient manner of sharing American history and recounting the stories of American innovators. She also served as a treasured mentor to many budding presenters, particularly those who shared her passion for interpreting the life and work of Thomas Edison and his Menlo Park Laboratory.

Helen’s contributions as an educator went well beyond her valued and dedicated service at Greenfield Village. She loved working with children, and, for 13 years, served as a teacher and then the Director of Childcare and Educational Programs at the Fairlane Family YMCA’s Montessori school.

Helen was known for her generosity, kindness, and for helping people however she could – a trait she passed on to her sons. She deeply loved her friends and family, particularly her grandchildren. No one ever left her home hungry. Ever the artist, Helen sincerely appreciated the richness of colors, textures and the interplay of forms and shapes. A beautiful garden, the song of a bird, and cats (both real and in photographs) always made her smile. In all things, Helen had an impeccable sense of style. Her journey through life was rich, rewarding, and multifaceted.

Helen is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Norman Liljegren, caring sons Aric (Julia) Liljegren and Marc (Kimberly) Liljegren, and two grandchildren Maya and Reid.

Those who wish to honor and remember Helen are invited to her visitation at Howe-Peterson Funeral Home in Dearborn, Friday, December 13 from 1-8 p.m. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, December 14 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home followed by the entombment at Glen Eden Memorial Park Cemetery in Livonia.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to establish a memorial at Greenfield Village and sponsor a seat at The Players Guild of Dearborn, two of the places beyond her home that Helen loved most. Donations may be made on this page using the "Give" tab or via check/cash in an envelope marked "In Honor of Helen" at the visitation and service.

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