Helen Jean Whitesell, 95 of Punxsutawney, passed away on Friday, January 5, 2018 at Jefferson Manor in Brookville. She was born on October 20, 1922 in Laurelville, PA, the oldest of eight children of the late Sanford Miller and Estella Mae (Wilkins) Lewis.

She was married to Robert Earl Whitesell who preceded her in death in October of 1991.

Helen was a member of the First Baptist Church. She was a member of the choir for many years serving on the Board of Trustees, the memorial Board and was honored by the church as Honoring the Faithful. Past President of Dames of Malta, member of Pythian Sisters, Salvation Army Auxiliary and the American Legion Auxiliary. She was Punxsutawney Women of the year in 2002. Helen was a devoted volunteer of the Red Cross Blood Mobile, Punxsutawney Area and Punxsutawney Historical Society & Museum. She was also a member of the Groundhog Homemakers, the Progressive Study Club, Punxsutawney Career Women’s Club and The Red Hat Society. Helen was also Pen Pals with students through the Community Action Program. Helen was employed by the Punxsutawney Area School District from 1968-1990 and was a member of the PA Association of School Retires.

Surviving relatives include one son Dennis E and wife Karen of Florissant, MO, four daughters, Connie and husband Dick Venesky, Debi and husband Jim Meneely, Denise and husband Ed Manges, and Donna and husband Francis Miloser all of Punxsutaney. Eleven grandchildren Kimberly Venesky& husband Kevin of Bethesda, Maryland; Christopher Venesky of Loveland, OH; Robert Whitesell & wife Nicole of Clayton, MO; Kelly Shinstock & husband Mike of Foristell, MO; Joel Meneely & wife Katharina of Concord, NC; Matthew Meneely of Fayetteville, PA; Cassie Meneely of Punxsutawney, PA; Courtney Reddinger & husband Justin of Pittburgh, PA; Dennis Manges of Coraopolis, PA; Daniel Miloser & wife Erin of Downingtown, Pa and Adam Miloser & wife Leah of McMurray, PA and thirteen great-grandchildren: Brennan and Ethan Murley, Addison Whitesell, Jackson and Olivia Layton, Rylee Shinstock, Parker, Kaitlyn and Ryan Meneely , Harper Reddinger and Silas, Teagan and Brody Miloser.

Helen is survived by one sister Ruth Park and one brother Rodger Lewis and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by four brothers Sanford Lewis, Gerald Lewis, Elmer Lewis, and Ronald Lewis and one sister Delores Brown.

Friends will be on Tuesday, January 9, from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the McCabe Funeral Home in Punxsutawney.

Funeral service will be held at the First Baptist Church on Wednesday, January 10, at 11:00 am with Pastor Marcia Shaffer and Terry Fye officiating. Internment will follow at Barton Chapel Cementary in Sprankle Mills.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Memorial Fund, First Baptist Church of Punxsutawney.

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