Helene Lena Brown

1938 - 2015

Helene Lena Brown, 77, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015, at 11:46 p.m., at The Gardens of Wapakoneta, Ohio.
She was born on Jan. 1, 1938 in Dayton, Ohio to Wilhelm and Lena Winter, who are deceased. Her parents are recognized on the American Immigrant Wall of Honor, Ellis Island, N.Y.
Helene attended Moulton School and graduated from Blume High School with the Class of 1956. Many of her high school classmates stayed true friends throughout her lifetime. She attended The Ohio State University and often worked with her father at the family business, Bohrer and Moore Packing Company.
On Jan. 27, 1959, she married Thomas Lee Brown who died Nov. 12, 1987.
Helene became the sole owner of Brown's Restaurant; the family business once owned and operated by her in-laws, John and Ethel Brown, and their sons, Tom and Wally. While as cashier at the restaurant, Helene's outgoing personality and "gift of gab" allowed her to speak easily with customers and employees alike. She never knew a stranger. Close friendships and fond memories were developed working alongside numerous employees, both young and old, many of whom were local high school students.
Helene was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ in Wapakoneta and a former member of The Junior Service League. Although Helene enjoyed playing golf and working outside in her flower beds and yard, her greatest joy was attending a variety of functions with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Survivors include a son, Craig Alan (Linda) Brown of Wapakoneta, Ohio; a daughter, Kay Lynne (Jeff) Dorner of Wapakoneta, Ohio; a sister, Marlene (Dale) Nelson of Centerville, Ohio; a brother, Willie (Judy) Winter Jr. of Wapakoneta, Ohio; three grandchildren: Drew Thomas Dorner of Columbus, Ohio, Saira Jayne Brown, Athens, Ohio, Emilie Lynne Brown of Wapakoneta, Ohio.
Helene is also survived by three nieces; Leslie (Paul) Nelson, Kristen (Gerard) Thorez, Stephanie (Andrew) Owen, a nephew, Brian (Kristen) Winter and many cousins and relatives in Germany and Switzerland.
Helene's life was enriched in so many ways by the love and compassion given by her many caregivers, especially Kerry Rotroff. To them, her family is forever grateful. Helene's family also expresses its most sincere gratitude to the staff of The Gardens of Wapakoneta, who took such loving care of her there, and the many friends she was blessed with during her stay.
Among God's best gifts to us are the people who love us.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 23 at St. Paul United Church of Christ, with Pastor Elaine Mikesell officiating. Burial is to follow at the Greenlawn Cemetery in Wapakoneta. The family will receive friends from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday at Bayliff & Eley Funeral Home and Cremation Services, state Route 501, Wapakoneta. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Activity Fund at The Gardens or St. Paul United Church of Christ. Condolences may be expressed at bayliffandeleyfh.com.