Helen P. Peitzmeyer

September 20, 1918 - October 6, 2015

Raleigh

Helen Peitzmeyer passed away peacefully, in the company of her family on October 6, 2015 just days after celebrating her 97th birthday. Helen was the fifth child of Martha and Othmar Pitschmann of Madison, Ohio. After graduating from Madison High School, she moved to Cleveland, Ohio where she met Dan Peitzmeyer to whom she was happily wed for nearly 40 years until his death in 1980. After children were in school, Helen enrolled in St John's College and completed a BA degree. She earned a MA degree from Case Western Reserve University while employed by the East Cleveland school system for over 20 years primarily as a reading specialist.

Helen and Dan enjoyed taking their children around the country while visiting historical and cultural attractions. At home they enjoyed spending time with family, ushering at the Front Row, playing duplicate bridge and square dancing. Spiritual people, they were active at Christ the King Church and later at Saint Paschal's. When the children were on their own they began international travels, first in Asia and then in Europe and Africa.

Widowed and retired, Helen moved to Raleigh in 1989 to be close to her daughter's family. She was an active member of Saint Raphael's Church. Helen traveled well into her 80's: bicycled in Holland, explored Central America, rode a camel in India and walked the Great Wall of China.

She was pre-deceased by her parents, brothers Edward, Carl and Louis and sisters Sister Mary Martha, O.P.; Rita Pitschmann and Esther O'Loughlin as well as her grandson Kurt Peitzmeyer. She is survived by many: brother Al Pitschmann of Columbus, OH, son Dan Peitzmeyer and his wife Judy Rollings of Phoenix Arizona, daughter Marti and son-in-law Tom Miller, grandchildren Carolyn Kleitsch (Andy), Joseph Miller (Christina), Natalie Boucher (Chris), Elena Harp (Lin), Susannah Scearce (Brian), Daniel Miller - all of Raleigh; and Jennifer Peitzmeyer and husband Cary Flanders of Peoria, AZ, 14 great grandchildren and 17 nieces and nephews.

The funeral liturgy will be Friday October 9, 2015 at 4:00PM. Visitation begins at 3:15PM in the atrium at Saint Raphael Catholic Church, 5801 Falls of the Neuse Rd., Raleigh NC 27609.

The family thanks the staff of Brookdale Heritage and Sunrise Senior Living and care givers at Duke-Raleigh and Transitions LifeCare. Contributions may be given in her name to the Raleigh Rescue Mission (raleighrescue.org) or Catholic Parish Outreach.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News & Observer from Oct. 8 to Oct. 9, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Helen Peitzmeyer

Sponsored by anonymous.

10 Entries

Alex Pitschmann

October 24, 2015

Aunt Helen had an outstanding outlook on life.

A long time ago she mentioned to me that there seemed to be two different types of elderly people.
One, she described, would always complain and grumble, and as a result no one liked to be around them.
The other would accept that their situation, no matter how bleak, was God's will and would try to make the best of life and refrain from complaining.

Aunt Helen was definitely the latter type.
I will always remember her telling me this.
Another thing she used to say (I heard this from someone else) was that if she ever lost her mind, she hoped that she would think she was on vacation. I absolutely loved that about her.
I don't ever remember seeing her appear to be unhappy.
She always appeared to be happy and joyous.
I hope to be able to have her outlook as the years go on.

Cliff Baechle

October 24, 2015

Please accept my condolences. A Mass was offered in her memory at The Cathedral of St John the Evangelist in Cleveland, Ohio on October 21st.

Punch and Casey

October 24, 2015

Keeping you all close in thought

Don and Judy Newman

October 24, 2015

I know she lived a long and meaningful life. Cherish the memories and feel the hugs we have for all her family.

Mickey

October 24, 2015

I so enjoyed visiting with Helen when she came to town. She always had the ability to make you engage. I loved hearing about her travels. I know you have great memories of her - keep them close.

Bob

October 24, 2015

May the love of family and friends comfort you during these difficult days. I send my heartfelt condolences.

Jerry and Rita Scearce

October 21, 2015

Jerry and I were honored to be included in the last Mass that Helen attended as well as her 97th birthday party. She had a sweet smile and kind heart. Her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren and those that loved her. I'm sure she is dancing in Heaven! May she rest in peace.

Natalie Boucher

October 8, 2015

Her spirit shines on.

Deb DiScenza

October 8, 2015

To my dear Miller cousins and to all of the Peizmeyer family I extend my sincerest condolences. I may have met Helen at some time i passing and I wish I had had the opportunity to stop and speak to her. She sounds like an awesome lady. A reminder to me to pay attention to all of the opportunities in life.

Colleen Henion

October 8, 2015

The Henion Family send our love and condolences to all of Helens family. What a celebration of life! Her smiling face was a staple of any visit to st. Raphaels. Daily Mass, church office or events . She was a generous woman. Eternal Rest grant unto her O Lord+

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