Dorothy Louise Minion Helm was born on January 23, 1922 on a farm in southwestern Minnesota. She left this earth surrounded by loved ones on November 16, 2014.
Dorothy grew up on the family farm raising 4H steers and riding her beloved pony, Spot. In 1941 she entered nursing school at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Washington, D.C. During her first year there she met Richard Charles Helm. They were married on June 12, 1942 in Bingham Lake, Minnesota.
Following WWII Dorothy and Richard returned to Elizabethtown, PA, Richard’s hometown. There they raised six children in a home they built themselves on West Ridge Road. Dorothy’s life-long love of horses led the family to keep several over the years. She encouraged a wide variety of family pets including, at various times, dogs, cats, a goat, a goose, chickens, and a rabbit.
Dorothy worked several jobs as a nursing aide and eventually earned her Licensed Practical Nurse credential. She was a very involved member of St Paul’s United Methodist Church for over 50 years, teaching Sunday School and serving on various boards and committees. In the 1950’s and 60’s Dorothy was active in the Fresh Air Fund. Throughout her life Dorothy was a volunteer in area public schools and active in the local Republican Party.
In 2011 Richard and Dorothy retired to Masonic Village in Elizabethtown. There Dorothy continued her life-long knitting hobby. She knitted caps, sweaters, and mittens, and was especially known for caps which went to grandchildren, great grandchildren, many friends and mission projects.
Dorothy is survived by Richard, her husband of seventy-two years, and her children, Kathryn Shannon (James),Thomas Helm (Mary), Daniel Helm (Elizabeth), Carolyn Greiner, Nancy Helm (Ruth Callard), Joan Noonan, a sister, Jean Iverson Pederson, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandsons.
A celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held at St Paul’s United Methodist Church, Elizabethtown at 3:00, Sunday, November 23, with visitation at 2:00 and a reception following.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Save the Children, 501 King’s Hwy E., Fairfield, CT 062825, or St Paul’s United Methodist Church.
Dick, Tom, Dan, and family,
I was saddened to read about the death of your wife and mother. It’s difficult from a distance to keep up with the people of Elizabethtown that I used to know. But please know that I retain fond memories of your family and our larger family of St. Paul’s and Elizabethtown.
Whatsoever soothes your sprit, Comforts your soul and Brings you Peace…That is what is wished for you at this diffcult time. With Deepest Sympathy.
J. Clair & Tina Hilsher
“Dot”, the neighborhood’s nurse on call 24/7 while we 15+ kids were growing up in the late ’50s on West Ridge Road. It’s been well over 50 years since I’ve seen “Mr” Helm, Kathy, Tom & Dan. Lookin’ forward to seeing you all again at the memorial service on Sunday.
What wonderful memories of time spent with the Helm family – and always, Dot bustling about assuring that there was something good to eat, at the same time fussing and shusshing to maintain order, move the dog, and add her ripe humor and wisdom to the conversation. I know she leaves an empty space in many lives…but oh the memories she provided along the way. Treasure them. With Deepest sympathy, Jane.
Aunt Dorothy was always an encouragement to us. Whether visiting in Minnesota or Pennsylvania, being with her and Uncle Dick and cousins, we had lots of fun and much to talk about.
I fondly remember one Thanksgiving when Dad & Mom and I were welcomed for several days as house guests and hiked up a mountain.
One Christmastime a 10-pound chocolate bar came as a gift for Grandpa and Grandma thanks to Dick. I think they couldn’t finish it all, so we were given some to share. We made it last as long as possible by cutting small pieces and carefully wrapping the remaining part in aluminum foil and storing it in the freezer!
It was such fun to attend their 50th wedding anniversary and watch their surprise when the bagpipers performed. We enjoyed the reunion in 2000 and the local tours. We appreciated having Dorothy and Dick and Tom at Dad’s 90th birthday.
On one visit, Aunt Dorothy gave our youngest daughter a stuffed dog which was named Molly, I believe, in honor of their real dog.
Although we are unable to come, we wish all of you the best. Psalm 90.
Sending my sympathy to the family of Mrs. Helm. I remember her years ago and thought she was a very classic lady. It was at my grandmothers farm in Quarryville. (Harry & Martha McComsey). You can be very honored to have had her in your life and I am sure she will be missed.
In sympathy, Mrs. Doris McComsey Mankin