Obituary of Helen Colpoys

Whitehall, Michigan Helen Holmes Colpoys, age 91formerly of Youngstown, died Thursday March 3, 2011 in the Bush Creek Manor Assisted Living in Whitehall, MI where she has been a resident since 2005. Helen was born January 8, 1920 in Port Dalhousie, Ontario, the daughter of the late Fred G. and Helen (Carter) Holmes. As a young girl, she moved with her family to Niagara Falls, NY where she attended local schools. After high school, she worked at the Y.W.C.A., Carborundum, and Acheson Graphite. In addition, she volunteered with the Grey Ladies during WW II. On June 17, 1944 Helen married W. Duane Colpoys. They had three daughters. In 1964 the family moved to Whitehall, MI. Helen and Duane returned to New York in 1979 where they lived in Youngstown. They wintered in Ormond Beach, FL for many years. Helen returned to Whitehall, MI in 2005 and lived at Bush Creek Manor Assisted Living until her death. Helen was an active volunteer much of her life. She was a Girl Scout Leader, assisted with 4-H activities, was a reading tutor, taught CCD classes and was a member of the Lewiston-Youngstown Garden Club, Welcome Wagon, Niagara Frontier Golf Club, and the Youngstown Senior Citizens. She was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Montague, MI and St. Bernard's RC Church in Youngstown. She was predeceased by her husband, Duane, in 1997 after 53 years of marriage. She is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth Colpoys of San Francisco, CA, Claudia Colpoys-McEwen of Grand Rapids, MI, and Rosemary (Robert) Drury of Satellite, FL; her grandchildren, Margaret Colpoys Schwab, Erinn Drury, and Alex Drury; a brother, Paul Carter Holmes of Richmond, VA; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by three brothers, Arthur, Charles, and George Holmes; and a sister, Carmel Martus. Services will be held on Wednesday, March 9, at 11:00 am in Holy Angels Mausoleum in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston with the Rev. Msgr. Thomas Moran officiating. There will be no prior visitation. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to a charity of one's choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, n. Fourth & Ridge Sts., Lewiston. Please visit www.hardisonfuneralhomes.com for online registry.