Obituary of Helen Anita Herrell

Helen Anita Herrell passed away on Wednesday, September 23 at Oak Manor Nursing Home in Largo Florida. She was 97.

She was born on November 13, 1922 in St. Albans, Vermont to Maxwell Hoyt Cleveland and Margaret Helen Malloy.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Thelma Bushey and Stephen Cleveland, her husband, Walter Herrell, children: Vincent Herrell, Patrick Miller, and Maureen Chaplin.

She is survived by her grandchildren: Stephen and Mark Sohlstrom-Chaplin of Williston, VT, Ronald and Tonya Chaplin of Swanton, VT, Kelley Chaplin of Charlotte Vermont, Leslie and John O’Hara of Franklin, OH, Sean and Amber Herrell of Louisville, KY, Lazarus “Zeke” Herrell of Austin, TX and Nick and Julia Chaplin of Venice, FL.

Helen worked as a secretary for the FDIC (Federal Depository) in Washington, DC for many years before retiring to Seminole, Fl in 1993. Helen loved reading mystery novels and anything to do with politics. She loved animals and giving to others. For more than 30 years she made regular donations to cystic fibrosis, lymphoma, and multiple sclerosis charities. She also gave regularly to the National Wildlife Federation and the ASPCA.

Helen grew up on a farm in St. Albans.  In her early adult years, she moved to Washington DC. She loved the city with all the trains and buses. Helen enjoyed flying and traveling and took a great trip to Ireland and several cruises. She was an adventurous spirit. She never owned a car but got her drivers license later in life to say that she did. She was outgoing and made friends very easily. While in the nursing home she would visit with staff and residents. Many staff members shared with the family how they will miss her daily visits.

Helen selflessly sacrificed herself for her family in many ways and generously supported them especially when times were tough.

The family wants to acknowledge her dear friend Kim Crotty and her daughter Megan. Special thanks to Oak Manor for caring for her for the last 5 years with special thanks to her regular nurse, Martine. Thanks to Dr. Jeffery Levenson and Peggy for the many years of caring for Helen’s health.

 

Irish Blessing

May the road rise to meet you.

May the wind

be always at you back.

May the sun shine

warm upon your face.

And rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you 

in the palm of His hand.

 

 

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