Helen M. Smiddy

Helen M (Putkisto) Smiddy, 91, of Wilmington, Delaware passed away on November 11, 2024 surrounded by her family.

A resident of Wilmington for almost 60 years, Helen was born in Worcester, Massachusetts to Konsta and Maria Putkisto and was raised in Rutland, Massachusetts.  She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Boston University after completing a diploma program in nursing from Worcester Memorial Hospital.

Helen worked as a hospital nurse before placing her career on hold to raise four children.  As her youngest child entered school she started working as a public health nurse in Wilmington for several years.  She continued her career by moving into the field of Developmental Disabilities and working for the state of Delaware for twenty years.  Her efforts laid the groundwork for residential and day programs as well as identification of vocational opportunities for the developmentally disabled.

Helen was a working mother of four children but still found time for her creative passions.  She refinished furniture, arranged flowers, crafted needlework, and was an exemplary seamstress.  Her children remained her pride and joy as she supported their efforts and advocated for their education.

Helen was the center of a large family.  She is survived by her sister, Ellen, and her four children, William (Julie), Donna (Steve Butz), Linda (David Nelson), and David (Lynn).  She also had 16 grandchildren – Joseph, Robert, Mathew, Rebecca, Susan, Andrew, Samual, Clara, Rose, Craig, Sarah, Jenna, Gregory, Brandon, Jason, and Thomas – and 10 great-grandchildren – Priscilla, Heidi, Felicity, Benjamin, George, James, Robin, Matteo, Josie, and Parker.  She was predeceased by her husband Earl Smiddy, her brother Henry, and her parents.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday November 30 at 11am, at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803.  Friends are invited to call upon the family beginning at 10am.  Interment will be private at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to www.delawarehospice.org/donate