Frances Jankowski Helder

On August 9, 2011 at the age of 94 Frances joined her loving husband, Edward Helder and daughter, Marie DiNunzio, in the glory of our Lord. Frances was born August 11, 1916 on Staten Island, New York where she grew up and met Edward and married May 24, 1938. Frances' life is characterized by her positive determination to succeed and, in later years, her courageous fortitude as she met the challenges from Osteo-Arthritis. Frances' cornerstone was her lifelong devotion to her family. She is survived by five children, Joan Massie of North Carolina, Carol Jeter of California, Diane Post of Virginia, Susan Helder of Virginia and Edward Helder of North Carolina, eleven grandchildren , two great grandchildren and a soon to arrive third great grandchild whom she eagerly anticipated meeting. She found great joy in creating and always had active hands busy sewing, gardening and cooking. She worked as a volunteer making crafts for charities and Teddy Bears for the police to give as a comfort to troubled children. Her artistic and nurturing nature were reflected by the flower gardens she grew earlier in her life around her homes in Hopewell, Virginia. Frances’ sweetness and her wonderful, dry sense of humor that often caught people off guard will be missed by her loving family. In Lieu of Flowers donations in her honor can be made to Osteo-Arthritis Foundation at: www.arthritis.org or The Falls Church Volunteer Fire Department 6950 Little Falls Road, Arlington, VA 22213, www.fallschurchvfd.org/fundraising.asp