Helen Clara Harpring Navarra

Helen C. Navarra, 83 of Greensburg, passed away Friday, September 13, 2013 at Aspen Place Health Campus in Greensburg. Helen was born on August 14, 1930 in Rush County and was the daughter of Benno J. and Rose Mary (Naderman) Harpring. Helen graduated from the Oldenburg Academy 1948. She married Nicholas R. Navarra on September 1, 1956 and they made their life together for nearly 49 years until his death in June 2005.

Helen worked for 14 years as a cook in the Greensburg Community Schools cafeteria, retiring in 2000. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Helen’s life centered around her family and their activities in music, sports and academics and enjoyed frequent visits with her grandchildren. Flowers and outdoor gardening brought her great joy.

Helen is survived by her five daughters- Paula (Herman) Bueno of Greenwood, Laura (Mark) Ricke, Anna Edmundson, Julia (Herb) Hunter, and Tricia (Darren) Burkhart all of Greensburg; her brother Norbert (Bernie) Harpring of Rushville; 10 grandchildren and her first great grandchild is expected in January. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, parents, three sisters- Norma Streit, Alberta Harpring, and Evelyn Heckman; one brother Benno L. Harpring; and one son-in-law Michael Edmundson.

She will be laid to rest next to her husband in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, September 17 from 4:30PM – 8PM at the Gilliland-Howe Funeral Home, with a rosary service beginning at 4PM. Helen’s Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, September 18 at 10:30AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greensburg. Your prayers and thoughts are appreciated. While flowers are lovely, she would have appreciated a contribution to the St. Mary’s School or Our Hospice of Decatur County in her name. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.gilliland-howe.com.