Helena R. Hartshorne

Helena R. Hartshorne, 95, of 457 Arch St., Meadville, died Sunday, July 28, 2002 at her residence following a period of declining health.

She was born in New Derry, Westmoreland Co., September 22, 1906, a daughter of the late Ernest T. and Ella V. Shrum Hartshorne.

She was a graduate of the New Derry public schools and received her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University of PA.  She completed graduate work at the University of Pittsburgh, Penn State University, University of Chicago, and University of Pennsylvania.  She was a teacher and principal in the Derry Township schools.  She taught psychology for one year at California State University of PA, before initiating the special education programs in Butler, PA.

In 1948, as a commissioned officer of the PA Governor’s cabinet, she came to Crawford County to build the countywide special education program for the county schools as the “Crawford County Supervisor of Special Education”.  Under her direction, the first pre-school clinics and a variety of special classes were opened for the County’s exceptional children, including programs for the gifted in 1960.  In 1955, in recognition of Meritorious Contributions in the field of Mental Deficiency, she was elected “Fellow” of the American Assoc. of Mental Deficiency.  She received the PA Federation Council for Exceptional Children’s Honor Award in 1979 for outstanding contributions and dedicated service to exceptional children.

In 1980, she received the Ray Bacher Service Award for outstanding service to the developmentally disabled Crawford County citizens.  She was a consultant for the Federal Fellows Programs at Penn State Univ., and for 15 years was a lecturer in the field of Psychology on their continuing education program.  Following her retirement, she taught psychology at Alliance College for one year.

She was active in the formation of the Crawford County Mental Health, Mental Retardation Assoc. and in procuring their first staff.  She served as secretary of the first board of directors.

Through her position in the county schools office, she organized the French Creek Valley Council for Exceptional Children; the Crawford County Crippled Children’s Society; the Crawford County Assoc. of Retarded Citizens, and later as their first president, she opened the first office, and hired the first director.  She was active in community council, and helped set-up Vallonia Industries and served on the first board of directors.

She served two terms on the Governor’s Committee for Northwest PA on Crime and Delinquency.  She formerly served on the board of directors of the Council on Aging, the Crawford County Health Advisory Council; and the Crawford County Advocacy for Senior Citizens.  She held life memberships in the National and State Education Associations; the PA Psychological Assoc.; the PA Assoc. of County Superintendents; and St. Vincent’s College Auxiliary, Latrobe.

She was a former member of the Business and Professional Women’s Assoc.; American Assoc. of University Women; Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority of Indiana Univ. of PA; past president of the American Assoc. of Retired Persons, Meadville Chapter #2442; and the advisory council of the former Spencer Hospital School of Nursing.  She was a current member of St. Brigid Church and its Altar and Rosary Society and a former secretary of the church council; the Meadville Women’s Club; the 55+ Club and past president; and the Crawford County Unit of the American Cancer Society.

Survivors include 6 nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by two brothers, Howard and Eugene Hartshorne.

Calling hours will be Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, 581 Chestnut St., Meadville with a Vigil Service.

Calling hours will be Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Michael J. Quinlisk Funeral Home, 548 N. Chestnut St., Derry.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday at St. Vincent Roman Catholic Church, Latrobe at a time to be announced.

Burial will be in St. Vincent Cemetery, Latrobe.

Memorials may be made to St. Brigid Church, 967 Chancery Ln., Meadville, PA 16335.