Helen Louise (Heidel) Misselhorn

Helen Louise (Heidel) Misselhorn, 97, passed away peacefully on May 25 in Englewood, Florida. She was a former resident of Ayer and Groton, MA, Altamont, NY and Pittsfield, MA.

Helen was born on October 6, 1924 in Pittsfield, MA and was the daughter of the late Carl Otto Heidel and Anna Marie Renard. She grew up in Pittsfield and graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1942.  Afterwards she attended Pittsfield Business School, graduating in 1944 whereupon she was employed by the Agricultural Bank of Pittsfield.

In February of 1945, she married the late Howard John Misselhorn of Kendallville, IN.  Helen and Howard were married for 66 years. They moved to Altamont, NY in 1948 where their two daughters Barbara Ann and Karen Louise were born in 1955 and 1957, respectively.

In 1964, the Misselhorn family moved to Groton, MA where they resided until 1978 when they moved to Ayer, MA.  In Groton Helen worked part-time for the Town of Groton before becoming the full-time Financial Secretary for the Groton School System.  She retired in 1983.

Helen and Howard were dedicated to and active in the churches they were members of, Zion Lutheran Church in Pittsfield, St. John’s Lutheran Church in Altamont, NY and finally in the Union Congregational Church in Groton.  Helen served on multiple committees and boards, sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and was a Youth Advisor.  While at the Congregational Church, Helen founded Auntie’s Attic at the church’s annual Harvest Fair.  She was co-chair of the Parlor Committee which designed and furnished the parlor and saw the project to its completion.

Helen’s many activities and interests included being involved in local clubs and organizations, time spent at their cottage on Lake Shirley and later in their retirement home in New Port Richey, FL. She enjoyed home decorating, sewing, quilting, antiques, refinishing furniture, painting, bridge, reading, writing notes, traveling and laughing. Most of all she loved spending time with family, her many friends and her beloved cats.

Helen was much loved by those who knew her and will always be remembered for her warmth, generosity, helpfulness, dedication, loyalty, sense of humor and zest for life. She will also be remembered for her tremendous faith and daily gratitude to God for her wonderful life and the loved ones she had.

Helen is survived by her daughters Barbara A. Wyman and husband Bruce of Maynard, MA and Karen L. Sherwin and husband Brad of Rotonda West, FL, several beloved nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband Howard J. Misselhorn, her son James Paul Misselhorn, her sister Barbara (Heidel) Congdon of Pittsfield, her brother Carl Heidel of Pittsfield, her parents and many beloved friends.

Visiting hours will be held at McGaffigan Funeral Home, 37 Main Street (Rte. 113) Pepperell, MA on Wednesday, July 20 from 4 to 7 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at the Union Congregational Church, 218 Main Street, Groton, MA on Thursday, July 21 at 2:00 p.m. with a reception immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Helen’s memory to the Union Congregational Church, Building Fund, 220 Main Street, Groton MA 01450 ( www.uccgroton.net ).