Helen Dinkins

Helen Joan Dinkins, 99, of Greensburg, Pa. died on Sunday, October 7, 2018. Helen, only daughter of Joseph and Constance Barry, was pre-deceased by her husband Firm Dinkins. Helen, passed away at her home in Greensburg, Pa. Helen lived a long and happy life and her death is a celebration of her life. She always said that “She had a good life!”  Surviving are her children, Barrie Lynn Simpson and husband, Michael of Memphis, Tn., Paul Joseph Dinkins and wife, Patricia  of Fort Collins, Co., Joseph Earl Dinkins and wife, Teresa of Abingdon, Va., and Mary Ann Ryan of Flagstaff, Az. And grandchildren, Mary Simpson Stratton and husband Jarren, Robert Simpson and wife Courtney, Sean Dinkins, and Marissa  and Tyler Ryan and three great-grandchildren, Mara Helen and Brenna Lynn Stratton, and Skyler James Simpson.

Helen had a long and productive life ranging from airline stewardess, teacher, reading specialist and educator/owner of Eastwood School and Reading Clinic as well as wife and mother. She was a role model to many, getting her Master’s of Education Degree in her 40’s. She loved reading, music, theatre, bridge, walking and swimming. She and Firm enjoyed boating on Lake Erie with their boat the Mary Elena and traveled all over the Great Lakes. Helen did lots of different things over her life, from Girl Scout leader to choir member. She enjoyed her lady friends at College Club, but she and Firm visited and traveled with their children all over the world, from California, Georgia, Colorado, Arizona, Wisconsin and Tennessee to Mexico and Japan. Helen loved everyone and everyone loved her. She made you feel special wanting all of her friends to know each other. Helen was an indomitable spirit, overcoming adversity when it came her way. She will be missed by her neighbors, friends and family.

Visitation will be held Monday, October 15th from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at KEPPLE-GRAFT Funeral Home where prayers of transfer will be held on Tuesday, October 16th at 9:30am and the funeral Mass will be at Our Lady of Grace Church on Tuesday, October 16th at 10 AM.  Interment will follow in the St. Clair Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her husband, Firm. Immediately following, a luncheon will be held at Giannilli’s II 4816 State Route 30, Greensburg and all are invited.

For online condolences and information, please visit www.kepplegraft.com.