Helen Delaney

Helen Ann Delaney, 71, of Harpers Ferry died Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at Thornton Manor, Lansing. Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, January 31 at St. Ann-St. Joseph Catholic Church in Harpers Ferry, with Rev. John Moser as the Celebrant. Burial followed at St. Joseph-Paint Rock Cemetery, rural Harpers Ferry.
Helen was born December 2, 1943 to Napoleon C. and Lillian E. (Crowley) Martelle north of Harpers Ferry, the homestead of her grandparents, Gideon and Adeline (Valley) Martelle. Helen was baptized December 5, 1943 by Rev. John J. Costelloe at Immaculate Conception Church, Wexford. She graduated from St. George High School in Lansing.
November 3, 1962, Helen was united in marriage with Martin James Delaney at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Harpers Ferry. Three children were born to this union, Julie, Steven and Joanne.
Before her illness, Helen was a wonderful homemaker. She enjoyed doing crafts, sewing, knitting, crocheting and gardening. She was a member of St. Ann-St. Joseph Catholic Church and Rosary Society in Harpers Ferry, where she also taught CCD. Helen was always positive and could be found with a smile on her face. She was a loving mother and grandmother. After her illness, she stayed active reaching out to comfort others, playing domino games with lifelong friends, and spending time on Facebook keeping in touch with friends and relatives.
Helen is survived by her children, Julie (Brian) Palmer of Holmen, WI, Steven (fiancée Laura) Delaney of Clinton and Joanne (Eric) Bibler of Johnston; four grandchildren; and several in-laws which she treasured like siblings. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Martin; her parents; two sisters, Rita Larson and Mary Lau; one brother, James Martelle; and several nieces and nephews, including her godson, Mikel Delaney.
Condolences may be left at www.graufuneralhomes.com. Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Lansing assisted the family with arrangements.