was born November 11, 1922 in New York City and entered into eternal life of February 18, 2017. A devoted daughter of the late Daniel Shine from County Limerick and Mary Rochfort from County Roscommon, Ireland. She was an adored wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Cherished wife of the late Lt. Colonel Henry C. Wurthmann, Jr. (USAF) and mother of nine children, Rosemary, Jeanne Rueth, Regina (Robert) Austermann, Susan (Scott) Androff, Colleen McDonough, Virginia, Henry (Macon) Wurthmann III, Elizabeth (David) Dickerson and Melissa. She was idolized by sixteen grandchildren and by nine great-grandchildren.
An enthusiastic and energetic Air Force wife from the Korean War to her husband’s retirement, Helen moved her large family from place to place creating a warm and loving home wherever duty sent them. She returned to the workforce and for 15 years worked in the Graduate School Office of St. Louis University.
A devout Catholic with a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother, she faithfully served in the Perpetual Adoration Chapel of Saint Catherine Laboure until the end of her life. The central part of her day was spent in prayer for her family and for the many others who requested her special power of intercession. Her son-in-law, Robert Austermann, once observed the she covered our family in a mantle of prayers.
We love you, Mom! “And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.”
Church Services: Visitation at St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church, 9740 Sappington Road, St. Louis, on Wednesday, February 22, 11:30 a.m. with Funeral Mass at 12 p.m. Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Flowers may be sent to KUTIS Funeral Home, Affton Chapel, 10151 Gravois Road, St. Louis, MO 63123.