Charles Helen

Helen Louise Charles (nee Fensch), 87, of Lorain, died Monday, October 11, 2004 in New Life Hospice Center of St. Joseph following a lengthy illness. She was born November 2, 1916 in Mansfield, Ohio. Helen lived at Hearthstone in Lorain. She previously resided in Vermilion, Mansfield, and Shelby, OH. Helen graduated from Mansfield Senior High School in January 1934 with high honors. She married Howard Lee Charles on November 2, 1935. She worked in several positions with Westinghouse in Mansfield, AMF in Shelby and Thermo-Disc in Mansfield as a secretary and executive secretary, retiring from Thermo-Disc in 1977. Helen was a long time member of Southside Christian Church in Mansfield, a member of the Vermilion Golden Agers, and a volunteer at Lorain Community Hospital, now Community Health Partners. She enjoyed cooking, baking, and traveling; including taking several cruises with her husband. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her dog, Mitzi. Helen is survived by 2 sons: Larry Charles of Leesburg, FL, and Jim Charles of Vermilion; 6 grandchildren, David Charles, Dennis Charles, Tamara Hallett, J. C. Charles, Jennifer Charles, Heather Mackellar; 9 great grandchildren; one brother, William Fensch of Clearwater, FL and several niece and nephews. Preceding her in death were her husband of 50 years Howard Lee Charles, parents, Albert and Lucy (nee Roth) Fensch, and brother Richard Lee Fensch. Private graveside services will be held at Mansfield Memorial Park, Mansfield. Contributions may be made to the Southside Christian Church, 2055 Middle-View Rd., Mansfield, OH 44904; New Life Hospice, 5255 North Abbe Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035; or the Animal Protective League of Lorain County, 8303 Murray Ridge Rd., Elyria, OH 44035. Riddle Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com