Helene Louise Carmany

1922 - 2016

Helene Louise Carmany

Helene Louise Steigner Carmany entered this world on July 8, 1922 and journeyed heavenward on February 17, 2016. Born to the late William and Clara (Beyer) Steigner in Akron, the family later moved to Manchester (now New Franklin) where she spent the rest of her life.

At Coventry Schools, she met her mate, Harry J. Carmany. They enjoyed band, choir and many other activities together. Helene entered Brenau College (now University) in Gainesville, Georgia in 1940, graduating in 1944. Post graduate education was achieved at the University of Akron and she completed an Internship in Dietetics at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton. As a Registered Dietitian (RD), she taught dietetics at the University of Akron while working at Akron City Hospital, Akron General Hospital, St. Thomas Hospital, Applecreek State Hospital and Massillon Community Hospital. For many years Helene worked at Barberton Citizens Hospital, completing her career as Director of Dietary. Because of her concern and commitment to her patients and passion for her career, she inspired her son, Keith to follow in her footsteps and he became a Registered Dietitian, himself.

Helene and Harry were together 66 years until his death; after he proposed on Valentine's Day 1948. Together they enjoyed family, traveling, camping and wintering at Saddlebag Lake resort with all their friends. Helene was a member of the SLR Women's Club, the church choir, the Kitchen Band, the craft group and the Exercise Club and was a longtime member of Manchester Trinity Chapel, now Grace Bible Church.

As a devoted member of the Akron Dietetic Association, she mentored and assisted many young dietitians. Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority was a sisterhood that truly lasted her lifetime with her 72 year membership. She served as President, Vice President and numerous other offices and counted the members as her best lifelong friends. She even helped her daughter to become a Zeta.

Mourning her passing are her children, Roger Carmany, Thurl (Karen) Carmany, Barbara (William) Sanderson all of Akron and Keith (fiancee, Colleen Ferguson) Carmany of New York. She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren, Alan (Claudia) Horst, David Horst, Karl (LIndsay) Sanderson of the Akron area, Dr. Bradley Sanderson of Columbus, Bruce Carmany of Albany, N.Y. and Johanna Carmany of California; and also by four great-grandchildren. Helene was preceded in death by her sister, Barbara Steigner and brother, William C. Steigner.

Helene suffered from Alzheimer's Disease for 16 long years, with uncommon grace and dignity. The family is tremendously grateful to the six patient, dedicated ladies who loved and cared for her over these many years, as home healthcare aides. Without the support of all of our many helpers we could not have fulfilled our Mother's wish to remain in her own home. A special thanks goes to Dr Lenz and the staff of Barberton Family Practice. We offer great appreciation to the nurses of Crossroads Hospice, Linda Doss and the fine staff for 5 1/2 years of exceptional care.

In keeping with Helene's great belief in education for young ladies, donations in her honor may be made to Zeta Tau Alpha Akron Alumnae Scholarship Fund, c/o Mrs. Marty Wiles, 565 Beechers Jump, Munroe Falls, OH 44262 or also supporting education, donations may be made to The Harry J. Carmany Fund at the Manchester Local Schools, 6075 Manchester Rd., Akron, OH 44319. Following Harry's Masonic Service on TUESDAY, 1 p.m., there will be joint calling hours to remember Helene and Harry on TUESDAY, FEB. 23 from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m., including a memorial service conducted by Zeta Tau Alpha at 3 p.m. and a funeral service at 4 p.m. ALL services and calling hours will be held at the Swigart-Easterling Funeral Home, 624 E. Cherry St. (Rte 93), Canal Fulton. A dinner at the Tudor House will follow services and be held at 5 p.m. Private burial will be at Manchester Cemetery.

Swigart-Easterling, 330-854-2356 www.swigarteasterlingfuneralhome.com