Helen Stephens

Helen Stephens, 97, formerly of Salamanca, New York died Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at the Gulfside Center for Hospice Care in Zephyrhills, Florida.

Born on September 20, 1916 in Salamanca, New York, she was the daughter of the late David L. and Grace Fitzmorris Kyler. She was married on October 19, 1940 in St. Patrick’s Church to Mr. Frederick Stephens, who predeceased her on May 13, 2000.

Mrs. Stephens was employed at the former Sheble & Wood Woolen Mills, Jefferson Street School, and Hampshire Mills in Salamanca.

She was a member of the former St. Patrick’s Church.

Surviving are: a son, James (Ginger) Stephens, Zephyrhills, FL; a daughter, Sharon (Paul) Jusko, Hamburg, NY; 5 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; her lifelong friend, Macanna "Mack" Metzler; and her grand-dogs.

She was predeceased by a daughter, Linda Schoonmaker, 3 grandsons, Jon, Paul, and Steven Stephens, two sisters, Jean Bizzaro and Kathleen Sullivan, and two brothers, John Kyler and Morris Kyler.

A Memorial Mass will be held in Our Lady of Peace Parish at the convenience of the family, at a time to be announced.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Salamanca, New York.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Gulfside Center for Hospice Care, 5760 Dean Dairy Road, Zephyrhills, FL 33542.

E-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.