Obituary of Helen G. Luden

of Elmira, NY, passed gently from this life on Monday, July 8, 2013, at the age of 97. The world has lost a kind and beautiful soul. Helen was born in Elmira on January 10, 1916 to Peter and Lucy Gryska. She graduated from Elmira Free Academy and Elmira Business Institute. Helen worked at Rose, Kimball and Baxter before the birth of her daughters and retired from Perry & Swartwood (Carroll) Insurance after 26 years of service. Helen and Donald Eric Luden were married in 1940 and had 59 years together before Don passed away on February 14, 1998. Helen is survived by and held dear in the hearts of her daughters (Eleanor) Anne Latsch with husband Dean of Holiday, FL, Vivian Thomas with husband Bill of Horseheads, NY.; and is cherished forever by her grandchildren Douglas Latsch (Michelle) of Morris Plains, NJ and children Brennan and Nathan; Catherine Burriss (Rod) of Minnetonka, MN and children Jacquelyn and Brian; Margaret Jakubik of Shorewood, MN and children Anna, Julia and Mason; David Thomas (Catherine) of Drexel Hill, PA and children Caylee, Serenity and Zoe, and Sara Shean (Timothy) of McLean, VA and children William and Madeline. She is predeceased by her husband Don, sister Eleanor Van Dusen and brothers Dr. Thomas Grayson and Dr. Paul Gryska. She is also survived by her several nieces and nephew. Helen lived her life with grace and selflessness. With quiet humor and never an unkind word spoken, she lived to make others happy and their lives easier. She loved her flower gardens, delighting in the color, name and form of every flower. The family is extremely grateful for the caring staff at Bethany Manor who ensured that Helen lived comfortably in her last home. Special thanks to Theresa Schamel for the years she assisted Helen at home and for continuing to be present in her life after she moved to Bethany. Friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water Street, Elmira on Friday, July 12, 2013 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, July 13, 2013 at 9:15 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes. Interment, with committal prayers, will then take place at St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery. For those wishing, a contribution in Helen's memory would be most appreciated to: CareFirst, 11751 E. Corning Rd., Corning, NY 14830.