Helene Evelyn (Shaw) Werner

Helene Evelyn Werner, 84, of South Bend, IN passed away at 11:40 a.m. Monday, October 15, 2012 at Hospice House, Elkhart, IN. She was born on April 18, 1928 in South Bend, IN to the late Harold M. and Gladys (Neilson) Shaw. She and Frederick Allen Werner were married on September 13, 1947 in South Bend, IN; Frederick preceded her in death on August 26, 2002.

Mrs. Werner is survived by two daughters, Ellen Louise (Kevin) Stone of Michigan City, IN and Dr. G. Lynn (Chuck Bellman) Werner of Tempe, AZ; two sons, Frederick (Charlene) Werner of Phoenix, AZ and Craig (Karen) Werner of Naperville, IL; ten grandchildren, Shawna, Joshua, Nicole, Frederick III, Jason, Beth, Lori, Kara, Matthew and Julie; ten great-grandchildren with one on the way; one great-great grandchild and four sisters: Nancy (Frank) Kealey of Warsaw, IN, Patricia (Charles) Wagner of FL, Marilyn (Harley) Sellers of South Bend, IN and Barbara Burks of South Bend, IN. She was preceded in death by her sisters: Jane Koustmer, Eleanor Bogue, Phyllis Pearson, Betsy Detterich, and Sally Sergeant; as well as brothers: James, George and Edwin Shaw.

Mrs. Werner was a lifelong South Bend resident and a member of the Turners organization for many years. Helene was a hard worker, a good friend and neighbor, a devoted wife, and a fantastic mother, raising her children and teaching them a great work ethic on the small family farm. Helene and Fred managed the Ministers Union at Chautauqua Institution, New York, retiring in 1997 after ten years of service. She was a member of the Maple Grove United Methodist Church for fifty-five years and President of Church Women United for four years and an active contributor for many years. Helene wintered in Phoenix, AZ and there she attended Sunrise United Methodist Church.

She was a human rights activist and protested against apartheid in front of the South African Embassy in Washington D.C. as well as against corporate injustices. She cared a great deal about our environment and served as a Non-Governmental Observer at the United Nations Law of the Sea treaty negotiations, volunteered for the Red Cross and was a Candy Striper. Helene loved quilting, gardening, and visiting her close family. Her homemade fruit pies are legendary.

Sources: Ancestry.com and FindAGrave.com

10/21/2023 EJS

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/99060796/helene-evelyn-werner