Lillian R. (Drake) Helay

Lillian R. Helay, 84, of Canonsburg, passed away peacefully in her sleep, Saturday, January 12, 2019, in Paramount Nursing and Rehabilitation, Peters Township, with her family by her side.  

She was born November 19, 1934 in Temple, TX, a daughter of Arthur and Anna Wyndam Drake.

Mrs. Helay graduated from the Temple Vocational School of Nursing of Temple, TX in 1955.  She had been employed at hospitals in Texas before she moved to Pennsylvania.  Lillian also cared for elderly and sick in local health care facilities.

She was a member of the Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church and belonged to several Christian Charity Associations, including World Vision and Feed the Children.  With her husband, they sponsored several children through the Christian Children’s Fund.

Mrs. Helay belonged to the SNPJ #138 in Strabane and was a former Pythian Sister.

On December 12, 1956 she married Herman R. Helay who survives.

Also surviving are a son, Michael S. Helay (Danielle) of Pittsburgh; a daughter, Laura R. Helay of Canonsburg; and several nieces and nephews.

The last of her immediate family, four brothers, Robert, Herman, Arthur and Rufus Drake; and a sister, Jimmie Lee Spuryer are deceased.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 Thursday, January 17, 2019 in the McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, Owner/Supervisor, 27 Cherry Ave., Houston, PA 15342.  Services will be held in the pavilion at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies at 2:30 p.m. Friday, January18, 2019.  Please meet in the cemetery staging area at 2:20 p.m.

The family suggests memorial contribution to the Washington City Mission or Avis Arbor, 84 W. Wheeling St., Washington, PA 15301 or the foodbank of your choice.

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