Judith L. “Judy” Helsel, 79, of Lake City, PA, passed away at her daughter’s home in Girard, PA on Saturday, October 23, 2021.
She was born September 17, 1942, in Parkersburg, West Virginia, a daughter of Sylvia (Drain) George Wilson of St. Petersburg, FL and the late William George.
Judy previously worked as a telephone operator and worked for West Virginia University Extension Office in her hometown of New Martinsville, West Virginia. Judy also volunteered on the New Martinsville Regatta Committee, where she met her husband, James L. Helsel, who raced hydroplane boats. She moved to Lake City, PA and married James. The couple traveled to many races throughout the years as James continued his racing passion. While living in Lake City, Judith worked for Wohlgemuth Florist in Lake City and Moore Research Services in Erie. She also volunteered for Meals on Wheels.
Judy loved playing tennis and was previously a member of the Westwood Racquet Club before her health prevented her to continue the sport. Judy was an incredible painter and crafter; her home was adorned with various creations over the years. Judy was an avid reader and enjoyed gardening. Judy enjoyed playing board games and cards with her girlfriends weekly.
In addition to her father, Judy was preceded in death by two brothers, Stephen George and Joseph Wilson and Stepfather, Bryan Wilson. She will be greatly missed by her family and is survived by her husband, James L. Helsel, who she married December 18, 1976; mother, Sylvia “Eve” Wilson; step mother, Marjorie George; daughter, Kay Lynn Salvati (John); sons, Kevin Quinet, Raymond “Chris” Quinet (Mimi); step-son, James Helsel (Lauren); sister, Leslie Gay (Marvin); brother, Gary George (Kathy); grandchildren, Daniel Miller (Jessica), Jacob Miller (Casandra), Rebecca Quinet, Nicholas Quinet, Kali Helsel and four great grandchildren, soon to be five.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date at the Lake City Presbyterian Church.
Judy's family would like to thank Family Hospice of Erie for all their wonderful care and support.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rice Avenue Community Public Library, 705 Rice Avenue, Girard, Pa, 16417.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Edder Funeral Home Inc., Girard.
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