Helen M. Stuart's Obituary
Helen M. Stuart (nee Cook) previously Bergholz, age 96, passed away on November 17, 2014. Born to Michael and Bessie Cook in Berea and second youngest sibling to 9 children. Helen graduated from Berea High School, class of 1936. She married Robert W. Bergholz in 1939 and raised one daughter together. Robert passed away in 1959 at the age of 44. He was a decorated Army officer receiving many awards including the Silver Star and a Purple Heart.
Later, Helen married Nelson Stuart in 1962, who was past Executive Director of the Elks National Foundation, which prompted a move to Chicago from 1967 until 1981. She became office manager and worked alongside her husband at the Chicago Elks office. They traveled extensively to conventions, ceremonies and dedications. Upon retiring, they both returned home to Lakewood, Ohio, where they were active in Lakewood Presbyterian Church, Kiwanis and Barton Senior Center.
For over 30 years, Helen and Nelson produced the Lakewood Presbyterian Church monthly newsletter, they attended Barton Center activities where Helen was often an active participant in the Barton Center Singers, Travel Troup and shows where she was a favorite narrator and soloist.
Helen is survived by her daughter Sally J. Ross of Florida; step-son W. Terry Stuart of Pennsylvania; grandchildren Todd (Jeff) Stuart of Berea and Holly (Antonio) Ross Tong of Columbus; and great-granddaughter Nadia Marie Tong. She will also be missed by her daughter-in-law Norma Stuart and many nieces and nephews.
Helen is preceded in death by her parents Michael and Bessie Cook; both of her husbands, Robert Bergholz and Nelson Stuart; and her 9 siblings.
Memorial Service will take place at 2:00 PM, on Saturday, November 22, 2014, at Lakewood Presbyterian Church, 14502 Detroit Ave, Lakewood. Private interment in Sunset Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, family suggests donations to Barton Senior Center, 14300 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107; or Lakewood Presbyterian Church, 14502 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH
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