Helen Myrtle Stewart

Born on September 13, 1910 in Williamsport, Indiana to Ohmer and Esther Stewart, Helen Myrtle Stewart was the eldest of three children. Helen, Margaret, and Richard (Dick) had a childhood full of rich experiences there: farming, fishing, family, friendships, fun, and frolicking. The Warren County jailhouse was her home when her father was the sheriff, and she had all the ice cream she wanted when her family owned the local drugstore and soda fountain. After her graduation from Indiana University, where she was a Phi Mu, Helen became a high school teacher. When returning to college for her Master’s degree, she heard Roosevelt’s “Day of Infamy” speech after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. She immediately enlisted in the Navy as a lieutenant, becoming a recruiter of WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service). Sadly, her brother Dick, an Air Corps bombardier, was shot down and died in Europe, and her sister Margaret’s fiancé Charles was fighting in Pearl Harbor. He lived, and Helen’s nieces, Barbara and Patricia were born. After the war, Helen used the GI Bill to go to Columbia University, and became the 4th licensed female physical therapist in the U.S. She practiced in Cleveland, Ohio, working compassionately with disabled children until she retired at 66. However, she did not stop what she loved most – helping others, learning new things, experiencing nature’s wisdom, and appreciating a wide breadth of friendships. In her retirement years, Helen volunteered everywhere she could, especially enjoying teaching reading to primary students at the Chardon Library, and philanthropic activities with Geauga Panhellenic. She also enrolled in extension classes at Kent State, taking courses in poetry with professors who became her close friends, wrote two published poetry books, and was working on her third in April, 2014. In addition, Helen was chosen as a Notable Resident by Munson township, as well as being selected as the Bell Ringer for the Geauga County Cast Iron Centennial Bell. Helen died peacefully in her home on June 30, 2014, nine months into her 104th year, with friends and family around her. For those who would like to attend a celebration of her life, there will be three gatherings: in Chardon at Bass Lake from 11 am to 1 pm on Friday, September 12; in Chardon at her cottage on Chestnutdale from 1 to 3 on Saturday, September 13 (her 104th birthday ?); and in Williamsport, Indiana on October 4, from 11 am to 2 p.m., gathering first at Highland Cemetery at 11:00 am for the service, then back to Helen’s century old house at 6 Fall Street, to continue the celebration of her life. Her family and friends will appreciate your attendance. Please bring a card with a poem, vignette, picture, or phrase that articulates something about your experience of Helen. There will be a time of sharing, and these words or pictures will be treasured. Some of her new poetry will be shared as well. Please call Patricia’s home phone (951) 659-2705, cell phone (951) 526-3010, or email carratello@greencafe.com if more information is needed or to R.S.V.P.