Helen Fay Fitzgerald Yentes, 79, North Manchester, passed away unexpectedly at her home on October 7, 2023. The daughter of George and Hattie (England) Music, Helen was born at her family’s home in Silver Lake on February 3, 1944.
After graduating from Laketon High School in 1962, Helen married Charles Fitzgerald on January 18, 1963. For the next twenty-six years the couple built a beautiful life together with two children, Jeff and Rachel. During their time together, Helen loved planting flowers in her flower beds, enjoyed reading a good book, and relaxed with crossword puzzles. She also had a fondness for sweet treats. Helen had a deep appreciation for her family. She couldn’t get enough of her grandchildren and was extremely proud of them, often showing off their pictures to her friends.
On May 26, 1989, Helen lost her husband, and in 2003 she found companionship again with Lawrence “Larry” Howard. For the next twenty years Helen and Larry made many memories together. Finding faith, Helen was baptized and gave her life to God. On Sundays she watched church on television, enjoying beautiful old hymns.
The loving memory of Helen Fay Fitzgerald Yentes will be forever cherished by her son, Jeff Fitzgerald, St. Petersburg, Florida; daughter, Rachel (Jeff) Cook, Laketon; companion, Larry Howard, North Manchester; grandchildren, Jered (Emily) Fitzgerald, Elizabeth (Andrew) Cleland, Emily (Rhett) Shepherd, and Summer (Corbin) Holtsberry; four great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Violet Fitzgerald, North Manchester. Helen was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Ben Frank Music, George C. Music, Charles J. Music, and William J. Music; and three sisters, Mary E. Durant, Mildred I. Hoffman, and Ruth Abshire.
Family and friends may call Wednesday, October 11, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester. Funeral services will begin at the conclusion of calling with Pastor J.P. Freeman officiating. Burial will be held at Oaklawn Cemetery, 600 Beckley Street, North Manchester.
For those who wish to honor the memory of Helen, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.
The family of Helen Fitzgerald Yentes has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.
Condolences may be emailed to mckeemortuary.com