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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Helen M. Smiddy

Helen M (Putkisto) Smiddy, 91, of Wilmington, Delaware passed away on November 11, 2024 surrounded by her family.

A resident of Wilmington for almost 60 years, Helen was born in Worcester, Massachusetts to Konsta and Maria Putkisto and was raised in Rutland, Massachusetts.  She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Boston University after completing a diploma program in nursing from Worcester Memorial Hospital.

Helen worked as a hospital nurse before placing her career on hold to raise four children.  As her youngest child entered school she started working as a public health nurse in Wilmington for several years.  She continued her career by moving into the field of Developmental Disabilities and working for the state of Delaware for twenty years.  Her efforts laid the groundwork for residential and day programs as well as identification of vocational opportunities for the developmentally disabled.

Helen was a working mother of four children but still found time for her creative passions.  She refinished furniture, arranged flowers, crafted needlework, and was an exemplary seamstress.  Her children remained her pride and joy as she supported their efforts and advocated for their education.

Helen was the center of a large family.  She is survived by her sister, Ellen, and her four children, William (Julie), Donna (Steve Butz), Linda (David Nelson), and David (Lynn).  She also had 16 grandchildren – Joseph, Robert, Mathew, Rebecca, Susan, Andrew, Samual, Clara, Rose, Craig, Sarah, Jenna, Gregory, Brandon, Jason, and Thomas – and 10 great-grandchildren – Priscilla, Heidi, Felicity, Benjamin, George, James, Robin, Matteo, Josie, and Parker.  She was predeceased by her husband Earl Smiddy, her brother Henry, and her parents.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday November 30 at 11am, at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803.  Friends are invited to call upon the family beginning at 10am.  Interment will be private at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to www.delawarehospice.org/donate

 

 

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Funeral Services

A memorial service will be held on Saturday November 30 at 11am, at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803.  Friends are invited to call upon the family beginning at 10am.  Interment will be private at a later date

Condolences

    Diane Casho writes,
    Dear family of Helen, My deepest condolences to each and everyone of you at this sad time. Helen was the most marvelous nursing supervisor I ever had the pleasure to work under as a young nurse. Supportive, brilliant, funny and so very talented in so many areas, Helen made coming to work a joy. I will remember her with great fondness and an abundance of appreciation for the mark she left on my life all these many years. My sincere sympathy to you and I will remember Helen and Earl in my prayers. With love, Diane Casho
    11/23/2024 10:19 pm
    MaryJane Bennett writes,
    I met Helen at the YMCA pool. We took classes together along with a group of other friends. We just had lunch with her last month. Helen was a joyful friend and I will miss her wonderful spirit. Please accept my sincere condolences.
    11/24/2024 11:42 am
    Tish Preston Pelly writes,
    I just learned of your mother’s passing. Sending peace and comfort from the Preston Family.
    12/02/2024 03:05 pm
    Betty Lou Davey writes,
    My sincere condolences to all of you for the loss of this wonderful woman, my dear friend, Helen. A good friend such as, was Helen, is a very difficult loss also. We met in our latter years, in a "Red Hat" ladies group about 25 years ago, We quickly became friends and eventually we became good buddies sharing with each other, just about everything. Such fun we had going to various shows, bus trips, dinners theatres and so many fun times together. I often would tell her how she better take care of herself , because, she was my good "buddy". Helen was kind and thoughtful, always there to encourage me when I needed it. She jokingly, called me her travel agent, when I would get the various tickets for our shows, so appreciative. Well, I could go one. One thing for sure I will be missing her So very much. if I get a chance to go to places we have traveled together, you can be sure on my mind, will be my sweet friend, Helen. Helen, I love you, Betty Lou Davey
    12/10/2024 03:19 am

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