Obituary of Helen Grace

STROBL - Helen Grace, of Huntington, having left this world for a better place, passed away on July 15, 2008 upon serving the Lord for 96 wonderful years. Helen gave her family, community and friends a genuine spirit of compassion and warmth. Her career in nursing began upon graduation from Columbia University in 1933. She served as a public health nurse in New York City, Bay Shore and Huntington. In 1962, Helen was appointed the 1st Director of Visiting Nurse Service of Huntington Township. Then, fueled by charitable donations and fees Helen coordinated an expanded patient base through financial contributions from the United Fund and coordinated development activities with the Suffolk County Health Department enabling the Visiting Nurse Service to participate in the Medicare Program. In 1980, Helen retired as Executive Director leaving a strong and valued community based agency, the foundation of Visiting Nurse Service and Hospice of Suffolk today; that includes the Hospice House in East Northpont Helen was predeceased by her beloved husband Edward and loving daughter-in-law Donna, and her sisters Gertrude Nowak, Jeanette Jesella and Eleanor Usiak. She is survived by her loving son Edward and his wife Suzanne, grandsons, Edward (Hope) and John (Terri), their mother, Kathi Strobl, and great grandchildren, Colin, Joshua, Kaitlyn, Rebekah, Christian, Griffin and Claudia. Also surviving Helen are her sister Marie Fechner and her brother Henry Matthews and numerous loved nieces and nephews. She was a member of St. Patrick’s Church and many health-based organizations. Her spirit remains in our hearts. A Memorial Gathering at M. A. Connell Funeral Home, 934 New York Ave., Huntington Station on Saturday, July 26 from 2—5 pm. In lieu of flowers,please makes doantions to the Visiting Nurse Service 505 Main Street Northport, NY.