HELENE (Southard) FOSSUM

HELENE FOSSUM (nee Southard), passed away peacefully on November 28 at age 84. Beloved wife of the late Paul; dear daughter of the late Frank and Helen Southard (nee Connelly); caring sister of the late Francis Southard and Loretta Wade; cherished aunt of Patricia Schaefer, Margaret Cunningham, Curtis Wade, Chriss Wade, and Lori Michalak; sister-in-law to Kenneth Wade; beloved Mother of her four-legged fur babies Patches, Biscuit and Noodles; close friend of Carol Wessel.

Born in New London, CT, Helene graduated from Williams Memorial Institute. She went on to work as a switchboard operator for the Southern New England Telephone Company. Afterward she worked as a supervisor of ship builders at Electric Boat Company in Groton, CT.  She continued her Federal Career and moved to Ohio with Paul.  Helene worked in various positions within HR culminating in an HR leadership position.  She retired in 1995 after more than 35 years of dedicated service. She truly kept busy in retirement. Volunteering at the Parma Animal Shelter, Stay Awhile Cat Shelter, and St. Albert the Great Parish. Besides her strong advocacy for animal welfare, Helene loved to travel and attend wine events.  She will be missed by all whose lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the above mentioned animal shelters or to Arden Courts of Parma in gratitude for their tremendous care.

Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 am Friday, December 9, 2022 at St. Albert the Great Parish, North Royalton. Interment to follow at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Rittman. Arrangements by the A. RIPEPI AND SONS FUNERAL HOME, 18149 BAGLEY RD., MIDDLEBURG HTS. (WEST OF I-71)

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