SMITH HELEN Passed away peacefully on December 29, 2015, in Oakmont, the result of a debilitating stroke she suffered on October 20, 2015. It was exceptionally fortunate for Helen and her family that, despite her illness, she retained her gift of speech and understanding. Helen Smith was born on October 14, 1920, in the Richmond section of North Philadelphia. Her parents, Gregory and Agnes Orzel were Polish immigrants. Helen married Clyde W. Smith, also from Philadelphia, in 1945. They renewed their marriage vows on their 60th wedding anniversary in 2005 at St. Adalbert's Catholic Church in Philadelphia, site of their wedding. They were married for 64 years before Mr. Smith passed away In 2009. During their early marriage, Clyde and Helen lived a few blocks from St. Adalbert's, had two children and in 1955 the family moved to North Wales, a Philadelphia suburb. At retirement, Clyde and Helen moved to Florida and stayed for more than 20 years. Helen moved to Oakmont In 2011 to be near her son. She lived alone, proudly independent until her recent illness. Even during parts of her illness, she displayed her happy, friendly, independent spirit. Helen and Clyde Smith lovingly devoted their lives to each other, to their children and to the families of their children. Blue collar workers both, their determination, hard work, and tender loving care for their children provided the family with a wonderfully healthy and happy life. Their family is very proud of them as good, honest people and of their lifelong effort and accomplishments. An avid walker throughout her 95 years, Helen had walked three-quarters of a mile the evening before her stroke. During retirement she walked extended distances about the neighborhoods of both her Florida home in Pine Ridge Estates, Beverly Hills, FL and her Oakmont residence in the Fairways Plan. She also loved to walk the running track near the river in Oakmont. During her illness, she yearned to go home, to walk and to once again talk to or wave to those friends and acquaintances she encountered while walking. She cherished her Fairways neighbors because of their kindness toward the little gray haired walking lady and her walker. Her family Is immensely grateful to those of you who made her life richer by your consideration. Helen was also an avid Phillies fan who purchased the MLB Ticket each year to watch the games on TV. Helen is survived by her son, Clyde G. (Nancy, deceased) Smith; daughter, Colleen J. (Bowen) Sosnicki; grandsons, Shawn (Ardrianna) McLane and Gregory Sosnicki; granddaughter, Jessica (Allen) Patton; great-granddaughter, Annabel McLane; nieces and nephews, Stanley and Ann Orzel, Ralph and Barbara Piazzo, and Ed and Marie Adams; and close friends, Fred and Jehrie McLane. Arrangements by BURKET-TRUBY FUNERAL HOME CREMATION & ALTERNATIVE SERVICES, INC., Oakmont. Visit us at www.burket-truby.com. Services and interment private. Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb