Helen Q. Smith, age 91, of Cuyahoga Falls, died on Monday, April 19, 2021 at her home surrounded by family.

Helen was born February 16, 1930 in Bradford, PA to John Henry and Leoanora (Derrick) Quirk. She graduated from St. Bernard’s School in 1947; she attended Sisters of Charity in Buffalo, NY graduating as an RN.  Later during her nursing career, she received her BSN.

During Helen’s nursing career she served as a psychiatric nurse supervisor at Hughes Memorial Hospital. Helen also opened the psychiatric units at Akron City and St Thomas Hospitals, as well heading the Psychiatric unit at the VA Hospital in Brecksville, Ohio where she retired at the age of 72.

During her career as a psychiatric nurse, she received several awards and recognitions as well as employee service awards. She was known as “Smitty” by her colleagues.  Serving people was a natural gift which was exemplified through mentoring many staff, sharing the wisdom and experience that she gained over the years. She was very conscientious in serving her patients with compassion, dignity, and respect.

Helen was a wonderful mother to her eight children. She was their nurse, counselor, teacher, on-call babysitter, friend, critic, and confidant. Helen was always there for her children, no matter what. Helen loved gardening, Thursday Night Ladies Night with her daughters and writing; several of her poems had been published. Her legacy has and will impact her children and generations to come. She was the outstanding example of a true “Matriarch”.

Helen is survived by her children, Lisa Smith, Fred Smith, Craig (Kim) Smith, Lynne (Steve) Broadbent, Scott Smith, Tamara (Joseph) DeFuria, Leslie (Warren) Hepburn, 14 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.  She is also survived by her sister, Virginia Obrien, nieces, nephews, and many friends. She was preceded in death by her husband C. L. Smith, (daughter) Cynthia Smith (parents) John Henry and Leoanora (Derrick) Quirk. Three brothers, Jack Quirk, James Quirk and William Quirk.

Graveside services will be held 10:30 AM Saturday, April 24, 2021, at Stow Cemetery with Fr. McCann officiating. The family will hold a “Celebration of Life”, 2:30 to 6 pm at Sheraton Suites, 1989 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221. Memorial donations may be made to UH Siedman Cancer Center, www.uhgiving.org.

Bissler & Sons Funeral Home, 628 W. Main Street, Kent, Ohio 44240.