Celesta E. Van Hellemont

Celesta E. Van Hellemont, age 103, longtime resident of Northville, passed away July 31, 2023.  She was born on November 16, 1919 in Livonia, Michigan; daughter of Charles and Bertha (Christ) Lute.  Celesta was united in marriage to George Van Hellemont on August 31, 1940; they spent 70 years devoted to one another until his death on July 4, 2011.

Celesta was the perfect farmer’s wife and a wonderful mother.  She kept herself very busy caring for her home and family.  She was a very faithful member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Northville where she attended services every Sunday for many years.

Celesta enjoyed gardening and working in the yard.  She had a large vegetable garden that she tended and canned so the vegetables could be enjoyed all year long.  She loved to bake pies that she would share with family, friends, and the church.  Her specialty and everyone’s favorite were her apple pie and pecan pie.  Celesta attributed her longevity to the fact that she never stopped moving, including in the wintertime when she loved to be outside shoveling snow.  She was incredibly tough and sharp minded all the way to the end.  Celesta was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend; she will be missed by all who loved her.

Celesta is survived by her loving sons. David (Barbara) Van Hellemont, Robert (Jane Lee Logan) Van Hellemont, and Jerald (Cindy) Van Hellemont; her grandchildren, Julie, Mary, Robert, Clint, Julian, Megan, Matthew, and Chelsea; 8 great grandchildren, her sister, Bernice Baggett; her sister-in-law, Yvonne Balconi; and her dear friend, Susan Van Hellemont.  She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, 5 brothers, and 2 sisters.

The visitation will be held Friday, August 11, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until Noon with a funeral service at Noon at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville.  Pastor Christopher Fairbairn from St. Paul Lutheran Church of Northville will officiate the service.  She will be laid to rest next to her husband at Rural Hill Cemetery in Northville.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial contributions St. Paul Lutheran Church , 201 Elm Street, Northville, MI 48167 or charity of the giver’s choice.