ELKHART — Helen L. Smole, 102, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully of natural causes at Golden Living Center in Elkhart at 1:40 a.m. Wednesday, March 16.

She was born in Nappanee on Aug. 10, 1913, to the late Otto and Ida (Stull) DeFreese, and married Michael J. Smole Sr. on Sept. 9, 1939, in Elkhart.

He remained her loyal and loving husband until his passing in 1996.

Surviving are her sons, Patrick J. and Michael J. Smole Jr., and her sister, Josephine Cooper, all of Elkhart.

Preceding her in death were siblings Betty Lorenz, Myrtle Hostetler, Virginia Plank, Grace Linn, Treva Deller, Opal DeFreese and George DeFreese.

Helen's life will be celebrated with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1108 S. Main St., Elkhart, at 11 a.m. Friday, March 18, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. The Rev. Matthew Coonan will officiate and burial will follow in St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Cemetery in Elkhart.

Helen worked at CTS for nearly 25 years and worked as a beautician during that time as well. She was an active member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church and served there as a Eucharistic minister and member of the Rosary Society and Harvest House. She dearly loved family outings and get-togethers and enjoyed being around younger people of all ages.

Memorial donations may be given to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart has been assisting the family with the arrangements.

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