Helen Laura Smith

Helen Laura Smith, 91, of Blain, went to be with Christ on February 22, 2026, in UPMC Carlisle Hospital. She is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, James E. Smith, Jr.

She was born on January 3,1935, at home near Norristown, PA, (in the midst of a blizzard), devoted daughter of the late Hiram C. and Helen May (Savidge) Neilson. The apple orchards, creek, ponds and fields of the farm were the playgrounds, beckoning for exploration to Helen and her brothers. As a young lady, she attended the Audubon grade school in Lower Providence Township of Montgomery County and graduated from Norristown High School.

While being a devoted mother, Helen and her husband operated a farm in Lebanon County and later in Cumberland County. A true farm girl, she enjoyed all the chores and fun that came from tending the animals to the rewards of harvesting the crops. For the past 41 years she cherished the serenity of her home in the Fairview area of Toboyne Township, Perry County, surrounded by the beauty of the Tuscarora State Forest. Here she could fully capture the wonders of nature, tending to her organic garden and flowers, (her terriers always with her). And feeding the wild birds who came right to her window.

She was also ever ready to go for car rides with her family on rural roads all over south-central Pennsylvania and if the winding lanes that passed through covered bridges and by mill streams and quaint farm scenery, if they led to ice cream, it was all the better. Motor home trips to the Colorado Rockies and the Black Hills of South Dakota (Ponderosa pines and parked in the midst of bison herds) were outstanding joys. Music was always adored, especially from Lawrence Welk. Art featuring Nature was always appreciated and encouraged in her children's projects.

Surviving is her husband, James, and son, James E. Smith III at home, and 3 brothers in the Lower Providence area of Montgomery County, Hiram "Sonny" Neilson Jr., John "Wig" Neilson and Donald Neilson and his wife, Mary Lou. Also surviving are 3 nephews and 2 nieces. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Laura May Smith.

A graveside service will be held at 1 PM Saturday, February 28, 2026, in the Blain Cemetery, 199 Route 274, Blain, PA, Pastor Darwin Goshorn, officiating. Agett-Lakjer Funeral Home, Spring Run. www.agettlakjer.com