Helen Belle Free Smith

Helen Belle Free Smith, 82, of 20731 Ryan Rd., Meadville and formerly of Cochranton, died Sunday, September 19, 2004 when she went home to be with her Lord and Savior at Wesbury United Methodist Retirement Community where she had been a resident since 1998.

She was born May 18, 1922 in Union Township, a daughter of the late Harvey E. and Effie J. Bell Free.  She married Russel E. Smith October 28, 1950 and he preceded her in death March 16, 1975.

She was a 1941 graduate of Meadville High School.  She worked as an inspector at Talon for 42 years, retiring in 1984.  She was a former member of the Slide Fastener Lodge 2213 and the Meadville YWCA Gallivanters.  She enjoyed bowling and traveling.

She was a member of Cochranton United Methodist Church.

Survivors include a sister, Mary Copeland of Latrobe and several nieces and nephews including a niece, Patricia Walls and her husband Jack of Meadville with whom she formerly resided.  In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by 4 brothers, Lawrence, Sylvester, Joseph, and Lester Free and 3 sisters, Estelle Hardwick, Olive Terrill, and Nellie Amdal.

There are no calling hours.

A memorial service will be Thursday at 2:00 p.m. at Cochranton United Methodist Church, 114 E. Adams St., Cochranton with the Rev. Russell D. Hines officiating.

Burial will be in Lickingville Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Cochranton United Methodist Church, 114 E. Adams St., P.O. Box 35, Cochranton, PA 16314 or to the Tamarack Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, 21601 Stull Rd., Saegertown, PA 16433.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, 581 Chestnut St., Meadville.