Patricia Helmer

Patricia Helmer, 86, of Indianapolis passed away October 14, 2012. "Pat" grew up in St. Anthony parish and later resumed being a parishioner there until that past few years. She married her high school sweetheart, Vincent J. Helmer at Holy Trinity in 1948 where they raised their children. For the past few years, she has been a member of St. Christopher Catholic Church, receiving home-based ministry. She was a proud, 1947 graduate of the St. Vincent School of Nursing, and used most of her nursing skills in raising her family of 8 children born within a 10 year period. She did work several years as a RN with Harcourt Clinic before retiring from the profession. Pat was a compassionate and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt. Her declining health in recent years and grief over the losses of her husband and all of her siblings limited her ability to continue doing for others, but she did continue daily prayers for all. Her mind remained sharp until the very end. Pat was very appreciative that through the assistance of her children and Lori, she was able to remain living in the home that her husband had built for them in 1948. Her faith and God's grace allowed her to live long enough to be there for her oldest daughter in her final hours, and then she followed closed behind. She was preceded in death by her parents, James Cleophus Farrell and Irene Regina Farrell; husband of 43 years, Vincent J. Helmer Sr. and daughter, Christine M. Helmer. She is survived by her sons, Vincent J. (Marlene) Jr., Robert S. (Ann) Helmer, Thomas P. (Cheryl) Helmer, James J. (Lisa) Helmer and Dennis P. (Marsha) Morrison; daughters, Joanne L. (Danny - deceased) Koss, Susan A. (Mike) Fay and Mary Pat (Ed) Hougendobler; 12 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren and caregiver, Lori Wilkins. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 17 from 4pm - 8pm in Stevens Mortuary, 5520 W. 10th St., Indpls. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, October 18 at 11 am with an hour of visitation prior at St. Christopher Catholic Church, 5301 W. 16th St., Indpls. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of Flowers contributions may be made to St. Christopher Catholic Church 5301 W. 16th Street Indianapolis, IN 46224 or Our Lady of Grace Monastery 1402 Southern Ave Beech Grove, IN 46107