Mrs. Helen Elshire, 88, of LaPorte, died Thursday, Jan. 23, 2014, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.
She was born April 4, 1925, in Windber, PA, to Charles and Katherine (Kormak) Orsagos.
Helen was owner/operator of Helen’s Beauty Salon and Apparel for 19 years, retiring in 1977. She was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church, Bethany Quilters and VFW Auxiliary. Helen enjoyed playing bingo and cards and traveling. She enjoyed participating with her husband’s marathon. Helen especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
On Jan. 14, 1945, in Miami, FL, she married Robert G. Elshire, who preceded her in death Aug. 18, 1993.
Helen was also preceded in death by her parents, four sisters, and grandchild, Nathan Elshire.
She is survived by her son, Robert (Diana) Elshire of Avon Park, FL; three daughters, Connie (John) Williams of Sonora, CA, Denise (Mike) Cannon of Rolling Prairie, IN, and Billie (John) Pappas of LaPorte; 11 grandchildren, Daniel (Rachel) Swanson, Robert (Robin) Elshire, Tim (Jill) Elshire, Todd (Keri) Cannon, Andrea Cannon, Ian Pappas, Andrew (Katie) Pappas, and Graham Pappas, and step-grandchildren Jeff Williams, Eric (Terri) Williams and Steve (Michelle) Williams; 22 great-grandchildren; brother, Thomas Orsagos of Largo, FL; and sister, Ann Simone of San Diego, CA.
The family will receive friends at Bethany Lutheran Church, LaPorte, on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 10 to 11 a.m. A memorial service will be held at the church on Saturday at 11 a.m. with Rev. Dennis Meyer officiating. Burial of ashes will take place in Pine Lake Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice or Bethany Lutheran Church, 102 G St., LaPorte, IN 46350.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.