Helen M. Stoker

Helen M. Stoker, age 72, of Lancaster, passed away on Friday, September 16, 2011, at Orchard Manor Nursing Home, rural Lancaster. She was born on July 23, 1939, in Chelsea, MA, the daughter of William and Mary (Scanell) Lush. Joe was stationed with the US Navy in South Boston, MA. It was there that he met Helen M. Lush and they were united in marriage on February 7, 1959, at St. Rose Catholic Church, Chelsea, MA. It was later that year that they moved to Potosi, and in 1961, the couple moved to Lancaster. Helen was employed at the Dug Out Supper Club, and later at Orchard Manor Nursing Home. In 1973, she became a volunteer driver for Grant County Social Services. Helen volunteered for over twenty-seven years and was very devoted to giving comfort and care to the people she helped. She was a member of St. Clement Catholic Church and enjoyed playing Bingo. Helen dearly loved spending time with her family and was looking forward to the birth of twin grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband, Joe Stoker, Lancaster; children: Richard (Terri) Stoker, Pleasant Valley, NY; Mary J. Stoker; Thad Stoker, both of Madison; two grandchildren: Devin Stoker and Chloe Conlan; two brothers: Alvin Lush; Tim (Donna) Lush, all of Chelsea, MA; a sister, Patsy (B.J.) Berntsen, McLean, VA; other relatives and many friends.

In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by a brother, William Lush.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, September 20, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster with Father William Seipp officiating. Burial was in St. Clement Cemetery, Lancaster. Family and friends called on Monday, September 19, 2011, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church and on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services. Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster is assisting the family.