Mary Helen Young – “Helen”

Mary Helen Young – “Helen” – 100, formally of RD, LaJose, passed away at Embassy of Hillsdale Park Nursing Facility on December 15, 2020. She was the last family member of her generation.

She was born February 11, 1920, to Jacob and Maude (Shields) Welch in Marsh Creek, near Howard, PA, in Centre County. Helen was adopted at the age of six months due to the demise of her mother. Her aunt and uncle, Helen and Oscar Hoover became her adopted parents. They lived on a farm in the Sylvan Grove area, then later moved to Kylertown. Helen graduated from Cooper High School in 1938. Helen worked various jobs during her life – in different sewing factories, at Titan Metal during World War II, and retired as a dietary aide at Ebensburg State School in 1991.

Helen was married to Woodrow Donald Meeker on February 18, 1941, until Woodrow died on December 2, 1942, due to a hunting accident.

Helen married Joseph Daniel Young of RD LaJose on November 27, 1951, when they eloped in Lewistown, PA. They lived on the Young’s family farm, Jay Dee Farm, and raised three children, Dorothy, John, and Janet. Helen and Joseph were happily married for 54 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Woodrow, and Joseph.

Surviving are daughters, Dorothy “Dottie” Brink and husband Gary, and Janet Whited and husband Gerald; and son, John Young and wife Barbara. Grandchildren are Joseph Brink (wife – Erin), Katelyn Bell (husband – Jason), Janelle Battisti (husband – Brandon), Jeremy Whited (fiancé – Olivia), Emma Young, Ryan Paskel (wife – April), Amanda Chase, and Megan Deem (fiancé – Steve). Great grandchildren are Kolten Brink, Lovelyn Bell, Noah and Samuel Chase, Charles Grimes, and Alexis Battisti.

Helen was active in the local community. She was a member of the East Ridge United Methodist Church, a Golden Sheaf member of the Harmony Grange #1201, and a past matron of Coalport Order of Eastern Star where she served as secretary for many years. She was a past member of the Daughters of the Nile and Order of the Rainbow. Harmony Grange Fair was a highlight every year for Helen. She was in charge of the grange booth selling Grange cookbooks and fair t-shirts, hats, etc. She was honored as the first “Friend of the Fair,” a PA State Fair award for the Harmony Grange Fair.

Helen loved to sew and quilt. Her children and grandchildren truly benefited from her handiwork.

The family would like to thank the caregivers of LiveWell Personal Care Home and Embassy of Hillsdale Park Nursing Facility for our mother’s care over the last six years.

Services are private. Interment took place at East Ridge Cemetery, Westover. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

McCabe Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to East Ridge United Methodist Church, C/O Gary Miles, 4669 Ridge Road, Westover, PA 16692.