Helen Hale

HELEN LOUISE HALE

PORTSMOUTH - Helen Louise Hale, 87, a compassionate and loving Sister, Mother, Grandmother, Aunt, Friend, and member of the Greatest Generation passed peacefully at SOMC Hospice surrounded by her family on Sunday, December 14, 2014

Helen was born August 22, 1927, in Portsmouth, Ohio to the late Catherine Jarvis-Jenkins and the late Carlos Jenkins. During her remarkable life, she served as a cook for the New Boston school system, a night auditor for the Pittsburgh airport, and a waitress at Howard Johnson's restaurant. She battled and survived cancer twice in her lifetime. Helen took an active role in her community and was a dedicated member of the New Boston Kiwanis club. Her contributions to the New Boston community will be felt for many years, as will her warmth and spirit to the many people she touched.

In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her siblings Betty Dadosky, Barbara Duduit, LeRoy Flannery, and Jacqueline Jenkins; her children Pamela Sloan and Priscilla Venable; and her grandson Matthew Smith.

Helen leaves behind a large and grieving family including her siblings W.D. Jenkins of Newark, OH, Marvin (Richard) Jenkins of New Boston; her children Pennie Smith of Greenville, NC, Peggy Piatt of New Boston, Patricia (John) Foit of Lucasville, Paula (Tim) McRorie of Mooresville, NC; her 16 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.

At Helen's request, no service will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests her memory be honored with a gift to SOMC Hospice (somc.org/news/donations-page) or the American Cancer Society (cancer.org/donate). The family would like to thank the entire staff of SOMC Hospice for their extraordinary gift of compassion with special gratitude to Dr. Ron Arrick.

Arrangements are being handled by D. W. Swick in New Boston.