Sandra Carol Helms

Sandra was born on September 22, 1942, in Lorain, Ohio, to Bertha and Joseph Hertzig. She graduated from Lorain High School and later married the love of her life, William Helms, on December 21, 1961, in Monroe, Michigan.

Throughout the years, Sandra poured her heart into raising her four children, creating a home filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories. As her children grew, she went on to build a fulfilling career—starting in Member Services at the YMCA and later retiring as a Marketing Manager at Sam’s Club. Even in retirement, Sandra remained just as active, becoming a constant and cherished presence in her grandchildren’s daily lives. For 46 years, she was a devoted parishioner at St. Paul Catholic Church, where her faith was a steady light in her life.

Sandra had a deep love for life’s simple joys. She cherished traveling and cruising with her husband, and nothing made her happier than opening her home to family and friends. A talented cake decorator and enthusiastic baker, she took great pride in making cookies for her grandchildren and neighbors—always with love and a little sparkle of fun.

She had an eye for beauty in the everyday - especially capturing pictures of sunsets, and her collections of angels, elephants, butterflies, shells and shot glasses that told the story of a woman who found wonder in the world.

Sandra was famous in the family for her thoughtful cards—sent for every occasion and filled with pressed flowers, four-leaf clovers, personal poems or jokes, travel photos, comic strip clippings, and sometimes, a lucky two-dollar bill.

She never met a stranger, had a quick wit, and possessed an incredible memory for stories and details that others had long forgotten. Above all, Sandra was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a treasured grandmother and great-grandmother. Her warmth, humor, and generous spirit will be remembered always.

Sandra is preceded in death by her mother and father, Bertha and Joseph Hertzig, and her brothers Tony and Rick Hertzig.

Sandra is survived by her husband, William Helms. Their children and their spouses, Sherri and Fred Butler, Diane and George Baraket, David Helms, and William and Monique Helms. Their grandchildren, Chelsey Loper, Ryann Baldwin, Kellie Rogers, Erin Roman, Abigail Baraket and Remi Helms, and their great-grandchildren, Aubrey and Olivia Loper, Barrett and Brynn Baldwin, and Sawyer and Shepherd Rogers.

Funeral services will be held at 2 pm, Monday, June 16th at St. Paul Catholic Church with Father Izzie Hernandez of St. Paul Catholic Church, officiating. Arrangements are by Blount & Curry.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Paul Catholic Church, 12708 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, Florida 33618 Attention: Laura Wendt (Youth Minister)