Obituaries : Helen Marie Schirm

Helen Marie Schirm, 91, of St. Petersburg, Florida, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2024, six weeks after the passing of her beloved husband of 74 years, Dean. Their bond was one of deep love and mutual respect, a partnership that weathered time and change with grace and warmth.

Born on December 17, 1932, in the close-knit town of Shellsburg, Iowa, Helen grew up with a deep sense of family and community. She met Dean, a young man from nearby Vinton, and together they began a journey that would carry them through seven decades of shared love and laughter. They married in 1951 and moved to Georgia for Dean's military service before returning to Iowa, where they raised their family and built a life centered on love, hard work, and simple joys.

Helen "wore many hats" while raising her children and keeping a traditional household, including hairdresser, waitress, real estate agent, and employment at Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids, and Val Pac in St. Petersburg.

Helen was a devoted wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved all of her family, on both sides, with an especially tender heart for those going through difficult times. In her later years, Helen kept up with her large extended family, regularly talking with her sister Berniece, her sisters-in-law Gerry Schirm and Donna Merchant, and her niece Patty. Her deep empathy and kindness made her a comforting presence to all who knew her.

Helen and Dean shared a life filled with treasured routines and simple pleasures. They enjoyed every meal together, visits with friends, and quiet evenings watching ballgames, gameshows and their favorite soaps. Helen's warmth shone at family gatherings, where her plentiful, delicious meals set the tone for lively games of cards and dominoes, while laughter filled the house. Her creative spirit extended to crocheting beautiful afghans, gifts that her family still cherishes as symbols of her love. Helen and Dean were a complementary team, each bringing out the best in one another; their shared joy and companionship a source of strength. Six weeks was probably enough time for them to be apart; now, they are together once more, this time forever.

Her sons, Dean Jr. and Steve, remember a mother who believed wholeheartedly in their dreams and abilities. Helen was endlessly encouraging, teaching them the importance of kindness, persistence, and family. Her presence was a constant source of strength and love, and she was deeply attuned to the feelings of those around her, sharing in both joy and sorrow.

Helen and Dean retired to St. Petersburg in 1989, where they continued to enjoy the sunshine and each other's companionship. In their later years, Helen delighted in playing bingo, while Dean played pool in their community club. They also enjoyed the company of their beloved dog, Hansie, and more recently, Willow, who brought them comfort and joy in their final days together.

Helen is survived by her sons, Dean (Mary) Schirm Jr. and Steven (Joy) Schirm; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; her sister Berniece (Leonard) Fox; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Juanita Irish Bergen and Joel Irish; stepfather Howard "Cy" Bergen; and siblings Max, Dennis, Joel Jr., George Irish, and sister Dorothy Pingel.

A graveside service will be held in Vinton, Iowa, at a future date, where they will be laid to rest near family.

AFTERGLOW
I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.
I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,
Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.
I'd like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun;
Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.