Helen Jane Wall, 93 of Midland, MI passed away surrounded by her family on Friday, February 10, 2017 at Woodland Terrace of Longmeadow, Niles.
A celebration of Helen’s life will begin at 1:00 PM Saturday, February 18, 2017 at Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 West Wheeler Street, Midland MI 48640. Friends may meet with the family from 12 noon until the time of the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be directed to Great Lakes Caring Hospice, 6120 Stadium Drive, #100, Kalamazoo MI 49009 or Compassus Hospice, 3217 W M-55, Suite B, West Branch, MI 48661.
Helen was born on January 27, 1924 to Dr. C.A. and Jane Shortt in West Branch, MI. She had many fond memories of growing up in West Branch and always loved going “home” for a visit. During WWII, Helen was in the Cadet Nurse Corps training to become a registered nurse, a degree of which she was very proud. She had many stories of her time at Michigan State and her training at Saginaw General Hospital and Detroit Children’s Hospital. After the war, she met and married William Wall on October 11, 1947 and they enjoyed 69 years of marriage. Together they made their home in Midland, MI where they raised two children.
Helen was a tremendous animal lover from a very young age. She had many cats who “followed” her home, a mail order dog and numerous rescue dogs. She was also an avid gardener and her yard was her sanctuary. She would head out with a cup of coffee at 7 AM to see what plants and rocks needed to be moved. Many days she would not stop gardening until after dark. But most of all, Helen loved her family. She was the happiest when she was busy preparing meals for family dinners and then enjoying the conversation and laughter that would ensue.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents and one brother Dr. Lee Shortt and his wife Beverly Shortt. Numerous aunts and uncles and many beloved pets.
Helen is survived by her husband William Wall of Midland, MI. One daughter Dr. Jane (Ron) Lacher of Midland, One son Jim (Chris) Wall of Bridgman, MI, one granddaughter Roberta Wall of Grandville, MI one grandson Doug (Jennifer) Wall of Stevensville, MI, two great grandchildren, Maddox and Lillian Wall, one niece Rev. Mary Shortt and one nephew Dr. William Shortt and family and her beloved rescue dog Emma.
Gathering of Family and Friends
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM ,Saturday, February 18, 2017
Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home
1200 West Wheeler Street Midland, MI, MI 48640
Memorial Service
1:00 PM ,Saturday, February 18, 2017
Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home
1200 West Wheeler Street Midland, MI 48640