Mary Elizabeth Helterbran, 91 of Center Township, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and nurse passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. Born in North Sewickley Township, Mary was raised in Eastvale and later at the age of seven moved with her family to a farm in North Sewickley Township. A proud graduate of Beaver Falls High School’s class of 1951, she carried her passion for helping others into her professional life, enrolling in the Beaver Valley General Hospital School of Nursing, where she graduated in 1954. Mary’s career in nursing was marked by her gentle demeanor and skilled hands. She worked at several local hospitals, mainly as a surgical nurse and later as an outpatient surgery nurse. Her kindness left a lasting impression on many of her former patients, who fondly remembered her for her good heart.
Though her professional life was fulfilling, Mary’s true joy came from her family. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Albert J. and Grace (Oliver) Lawrence, her cherished husband, William W. Helterbran, who passed away on November 17, 2017, her two brothers, Albert ‘Sonny’ Lawrence, Jr. and Robert Lawrence and a sister Margaret Lipan. Her memory will be cherished by her three children, William L. (Pamela) Helterbran of Chippewa Township, John E. (Michelle) Helterbran of Houston, Arkansas, and Janet Nagy of New Brighton. She was a doting grandmother to four grandchildren, Michael and Christopher Helterbran, Sara and Mary Nagy; four step-grandchildren; three great-grandchildren, Liam, Paisley, and Diana Rose; and six step-great-grandchildren.
Mary’s interests extended beyond her professional and family life. She was a member of the North Branch Presbyterian Church and the Woodlawn Chapter #164, Order of the Eastern Star. Mary and her late husband, Bill enjoyed dancing at the Fez, sharing a love for music.
Mary found solace and joy in camping and visiting the sea shore.
Mary’s life was a living example of kindness in action. Her spirit will live on through her family and the many people she helped throughout her life.
Friends will be received on Sunday, August 4th from 1-4 pm and 5-7 pm at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca (724 728 4000). Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 5th at 11 am at the North Branch Presbyterian Church, 139 N. Branch Road, Monaca. Burial will take place at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.
The family has suggested memorial contributions be made, if desired to the Beaver County Cancer & Heart Association, 3582 Brodhead Road, Suite 201, Monaca, PA 15061.
To share online condolences, view Mary’s video tribute, add photos or get directions, please visit www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.