Helen J. (Diehl) Wertz

Helen J. Wertz, of Bedford, died Monday,  August 31, 2015 at Meadow View Nursing Center in Berlin, Somerset County.

Mrs. Wertz was born Friday, November 28, 1930, in Friends Cove, a daughter of the late Ellis and Sara (Robinson) Diehl.

On September 29, 1950, Helen married Vincent "Pete" Wertz, who preceded her in death in 1993.

Helen is survived by her four children, Ted Wertz, of Somerset, Paula Ross, of Bellefonte, Sherry Bridges and Jeff Wertz, both of Bedford; two sisters, Mary Diehl and Ethel Broderick, both of Friends Cove; a brother, Robert Diehl, of Friends Cove; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.  In addition to her husband, Helen was preceded in death by brothers James, Fred and Roger Diehl, all of Friends Cove.

Helen graduated from Bedford Area High School in 1948. She worked on her father's farm until her marriage, when she moved with her husband to West Palm Beach, Florida, to work at the Breakers Hotel. Later, she returned to Bedford to start her family. Helen also assisted her husband in the running of the Chicopee Restaurant in Bedford.

Helen was a strong Democrat and worked as a Democratic Committee woman from 1969 to 1975.  Helen was deeply religious and a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church in Bedford.

Helen was a softhearted, happy woman who was deeply devoted to her family and the making of a home. Her interests included gardening, cooking and sewing.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Bedford at 2:00 PM on Thursday, September 3rd,  with Father Donald Dusza celebrant.

Committal services will be held at Bedford County Memorial Park.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday from 12:00 - 2:00 PM at Louis Geisel Funeral Home, Bedford, where a vigil for the deceased will be held.

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