Obituary of Gertrude A. Helsel

HELSEL – Gertrude A., 98, a brief resident of The Lutheran Home at Hollidaysburg, formerly of Hollidaysburg and Altoona, went home to be with the Lord Sunday, April 4, 2010. Born Dec. 16, 1911, in Nanty Glo, daughter of James and Sally (Kerr) Leonard. She married Josiah W. “Buck” Helsel on Dec. 14, 1933, in Johnstown, and he died Oct. 10, 1992. Survived by daughter, Shirley Leister, and husband, Roy, Hollidaysburg, with whom she had resided until March 11, 2010; sons, J.W. “Jay” Helsel III, York; and David, and wife, Jacqueline, Waynesboro, Va.; grandchildren, Roy Leister Jr., Cindy Grinnell, Ann Illig, Beth Livingston, Jay Helsel, Michael Helsel, Michele Duley and Lisa McMahon; 12 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Betty Leonard, Ebensburg; as well as many nieces and nephews. Gertrude was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Preceded in death by granddaughter, Shirl Ann Novosel; great-granddaughter, Ashton Illig; sisters, Lillian Commons, Roseann Leatherman and Lois Leanna; and brothers, Daniel, Loy and Robert. Gertrude graduated in 1933 as a registered nurse from Windber Hospital. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Hollidaysburg, for more than 60 years, and attended Hollidaysburg Church of the Brethren. She volunteered at Altoona Hospital for many years. She enjoyed golf, and she and her husband traveled around the world on the USS Rotterdam cruise ship. Friends will be received from 11 a.m. until time of funeral service at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 10, at The Good Funeral Home Inc., Alto-Reste Park Cemetery, Altoona, the Rev. Marlys Hershberger, officiating. Interment will follow at Alto-Reste Park Cemetery.