Ilona Helen Howard

Ilona Helen Bene Howard, 96, a resident of Wesbury United Methodist Retirement Community, died Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at Meadville Medical Center. She was born August 3, 1916 in Cleveland, Ohio, a daughter of Jozsef and Justina Natik Bene. Helen worked at Meadville Medical Center in the central processing department for 13 years, retiring in 1985. She previously worked at Talon, Spauldings, and attended the lunch counters at Woolworths, G.C. Murphy Co., Islays, and Davidsons Restaurant. Helen enjoyed her dogs and cats over the years and enjoyed planting and tending to her flower garden. She would often be seen walking downtown and eating out with her good friends. She was an avid collector of antiques and various memorabilia and spoke fluent Hungarian. Survivors include a grandson, Bryan Howard of Meadville; a great-grandson, Zachary Shafer; a sister, Mary Bell of Vestile, NY; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, William C. Howard and a sister, Beulah Wasson. Calling hours are today (Thursday) from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, 581 Chestnut St., Meadville where the funeral and committal service will follow at 7:00 p.m. with the Rev. Philip Torre, officiating. Interment will be in Greendale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Crawford County Humane Society, 11012 Kennedy Hill Rd., Meadville, PA 16335. Share your memories and condolences at waidfuneralhome.net.