Helen Inez Waldman

Helen Inez Waldman, 83, of Petaluma, CA, passed away on October 6, 2017 after a long illness. Helen was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania to Harry and Geneva Luther on April 6, 1934. She was the oldest of 3 children and went to school in Johnstown.  She worked as a bookkeeper for many years and then became a Librarian for the City of Hampton in Virginia, where she raised her 5 daughters. After she retired, she resided in Fredericksburg, VA, where she enjoyed spending most of her time at Wilderness Presidential Resort. Helen loved creating with her hands.  She enjoyed ceramics, doll making, sewing and paper crafts. Helen was a beautiful, caring friend to many and was always ready for a new adventure. Her independence and strength carried her through life and was an inspiration to her family and friends. She will be sorely missed. Helen is preceded in death by two husbands, Kenneth V. Gilliland and William E. Waldman Jr., her parents, Harry Finley Luther and Geneva Hicks Luther, her sister, Lois English and a grandson, Hunter Griffis. Helen is survived by daughters Paula Jean Hopkins (Jim Hopkins) of Delaware, Brenda Kepler Orzol (Stosh Orzol) of Arkansas, Virginia Elaine Jackson (David Jackson) of Petaluma, California, Cynthia Darlene Percy of California, and Vanessa Gilliland Griffis of Virginia, two step daughters, Jane V. Koel of Baltimore and Peggy J. Adam of Virginia, a stepson, Steven P. Waldman of Virginia, a sister, Paulette Meskaitis (Joe Meskaitis), 27 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. Helen will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Park, Fredericksburg, Va.