Helen B. Close

Helen B. Close          

ELDRED, Pa.---Helen B. Close, 87, a lifelong resident of Eldred, passed away in her home surrounded by her loving family on Friday, August 16, 2019, after a short illness.

Born on Monday, September 28, 1931 in Mayport, she was the daughter of Walter and Mildred Himes Johnson.  On July 23, 1949 in Eldred, she married the love of her life, Donald E. Close, Sr., who passed away on August 20, 2017.

Helen’s greatest loves were traveling with her husband and spending time with her family.  She especially enjoyed attending the many activities and sport events of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Left to cherish her memory are her three children, Donald E. (Sandy) Close, Jr. of Eldred, Patricia A. (Ray) Pepperman of Greenville, S.C., and Robert A. (Rene) Close of Eldred; four grandchildren, Michael E. (Barb) Close, Valerie L. (Keith) Cousins, Clint B. (Beth) Hicks, and Amanda L. (Todd) Tanner; eight great-grandchildren, Dylan Close, Brooke Close, Lauren Cousins, Haley Cousins, Dakota (Eve) Hicks, Dustin Hicks, Riley Tanner, and Ty Tanner; two brothers, Edward Johnson of Alexandria, Virginia, and James (Kathy) Johnson of Eldred; a brother-in-law, C. Ronald Wight of Wilmington, N.C.; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Helen was predeceased by a brother and sister-in-law, Walter and Letha Johnson; sister, Betty Wight; sisters-in-law, Peggy and Alzia Johnson; and son-in-law, Robert Fitch.

In keeping with Helen’s wishes, there will be no public visitation or funeral services.  Burial will be with her husband in Lamphier Cemetery, Eldred.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the McKean County SPCA, 80 Glenwood Avenue, Bradford, PA 16701 or to the Eldred Borough Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 146, 4 Platt Street, Eldred, PA 16731.

Helen’s family has entrusted her care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences or share a fond memory of Helen, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or our Facebook page, Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home.