Obituary of Helen Laura Schetzel

Helen Laura Schetzel, of East Haven, widow of Charles Schetzel, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2016 at Madison House, Madison, CT. She was born July 16, 1919 in New Haven to Edward J. and Georgianna (Paquette) Magee. Helen attended Nursing School at Highland Hospital in Beacon, NY, later leaving her nursing career to raise a family. She eventually returned to Connecticut where she remained for the duration of her life. Although never entering the nursing field again, she retired from the Hospital of St. Raphael as a laboratory secretary and volunteered at the newly formed Hospice in Branford, CT. Helen was instrumental in forming a friendship group with former classmates of Benjamin Jepson Grammar School, who met for luncheon once a month. These classmates remained life-long friends. Helen served in the Town Of East Haven as a Commissioner on the Housing Board and was also active in the Order of Eastern Star as a member and officer spanning 58 years. She was a Past Matron several times and a Grand Representative of Florida. In 2008 she was honored with a fifty year pin and lifetime membership in Alice Chapter #76 of Hamden, CT. She was well known for her gentle touch and Irish sense of humor, and never missed a chance to brighten someone’s day. She was predeceased by her loving son, Terry J. Pine; her siblings, Edward J. Magee, Jr. , John A. Magee, Sr., William T. Magee and sisters Eleanor Enix and Margaret “Peggy” Smith. She leaves her devoted daughter, Mary Lou Johnson widow of Shepard Johnson with whom she resided in East Haven, CT; four grandchildren, Jeffrey Pine, Joseph Burrone, Sandra Chudyi, and Laura Burrone. Four great-grandchildren, Michael Burrone, Samantha Rodriguez, Alexander Chudyi and Aaron Pine. She is also survived by a great-great grandson, Gabriel Rodriguez and a daughter in law Mary (Ulrich) Pine. Family will receive friends on Saturday, August 6, 2016 from 11:00 am until the time of service at 12:00 pm (noon) in the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home (Clancy Funeral Home) 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven, CT. The services will begin with Eastern Star followed by clergy. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Eastern Star Charity Foundation, Secretary Suzanne Dana, 37 Paugassett Rd., Derby, CT 06418 or Alzheimer’s Association, 200 Executive Blvd.,Ste 4B,Southington,CT 06489-1042 in memory of Helen L. Schetzel.