Helen W Koster

Helen Wiktor was born in Detroit, MI , to parents who emigrated from Poland. She grew up with the language, music, food and traditions of the old country.

Wick attended Denby High School and studied piano at the Detroit Conservatory of Music.

She married Jim Koster in 1947, becoming a beloved member of the Koster-Wasowicz-Easton (KWE) family. After raising their three children in Detroit, Jim & Wick built a house and moved to Silver Lake, where Wick/Helen enjoyed her job as secretary at Fenton High School.

In 1992, she moved to California, near her kids and grandchildren.

Helen will be remembered for her high expectations (“100% is passing”), her fashion-forward style, her elegant table settings, elaborate birthday cakes, and gracious entertaining – especially the KWE reunions at Silver Lake.

Through the years, she endured untimely, heart-breaking losses: her brother Raymond Wiktor, her husband Frank James Koster, her grandson Alex James Koster. She faced challenges with grace, never losing her ability to see beauty in nature and the arts.

She is survived by her daughter Kristine Koster (Sieg Efken), sons James A Koster (Cathy Garcia ) and Jon R Koster (Kelly Mingle), granddaughter Jillian A Koster, grandson Wesley J Koster, long-time friend/housemate Carla “Shorty” Conyers, sister-in-law Mary Ann Koster, and many nieces & nephews

A Celebration of Life was held at Lake of the Pines on March 1,2025 -- her 100th birthday – where she enjoyed music, laughter and tributes from many who loved her.

Helen/Wick will share a grave with husband Jim at the Oakwood Cemetery in Fenton, MI.