Helen Opal Wassum, 96, of Orlando, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2023 at her home in Orlando, Florida. She was a loving, special mother and her family was blessed to have her as the matriarch in so many ways. She was truly a gift from God and we were blessed to have her in our lives.
Helen was born on April 8, 1927 to Curtis and Pollie (Napier) Smith at Bulan, Kentucky. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Berea College in Berea, Kentucky. On June 12, 1951, she married Robert (Bob) Howe Wassum, Jr. The couple soon moved to Orlando, Florida, where they raised their three children, and were active members in what was formerly known as Eastside Baptist Church. Helen had a career at George Stuart Inc., an Orlando-based Office Supply Company. In her later years, she enjoyed her word puzzles, and most especially working jigsaw puzzles with members of her family.
Helen is survived by her loving children, Janet (Mark DiPietro) Bordenkircher, Donna (Todd) Spear, and Robert H. (Megan) Wassum, III, and by her grandchildren, Brian Spear, Mark Spear, Robert Wassum IV, Matthew Wassum, and her great-grandchildren, James Bordenkircher, Landon Spear, and Blake Spear.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents Curtis Lee Smith, and Pollie Holliday, her beloved husband, Robert H. Wassum, Jr., her sisters, Dale Hamilton and Ethel Barrickman, step brothers and sisters, and her grandchild, James Bordenkircher, Jr.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, in Orlando, Florida.
Funeral services will be held following the visitation, with Pastor Wiley Lowe officiating.
An interment will take place at Chapel Hill Cemetery following the funeral ceremony.