Helen Louise Misselhorn

Helen Louise Misselhorn

Helen Louise Misselhorn

Helen Louise (née Heidel) Misselhorn — a woman of great faith with a zest for life — died peacefully on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, in Englewood, Florida. She was 97.

She was a former resident of Altamont and of Ayer, Groton, and Pittsfield in Massachusetts.

She was born on Oct. 6, 1924 in Pittsfield and was the daughter of the late Carl Otto Heidel and Anna Marie Renard. She grew up in Pittsfield and graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1942. Afterwards she attended Pittsfield Business School, graduating in 1944 whereupon she was employed by the Agricultural Bank of Pittsfield.

In February of 1945, she married the late Howard John Misselhorn of Kendallville, Indiana. They were married for 66 years, their union ending only with his death. The Misselhorns moved to Altamont in 1948 where their two daughters were born — Barbara Ann in 1955 and Karen Louise in 1957.

In 1964, the Misselhorn family moved to Groton, Massachusetts where they resided until 1978 when they moved to Ayer, Massachusetts. In Groton, Mrs. Misselhorn worked part-time for the town of Groton before becoming the full-time financial secretary for the Groton School System. She retired in 1983.

“Helen and Howard were dedicated to and active in the churches they were members of, Zion Lutheran Church in Pittsfield, St. John’s Lutheran Church in Altamont, and finally in the Union Congregational Church in Groton,” her family wrote in a tribute. “Helen served on multiple committees and boards, sang in the choir, taught Sunday school and was a youth advisor.

“While at the Congregational Church, Helen founded Auntie’s Attic at the church’s annual Harvest Fair. She was co-chair of the Parlor Committee ,which designed and furnished the parlor and saw the project to its completion.

“Helen’s many activities and interests included being involved in local clubs and organizations, time spent at their cottage on Lake Shirley, and later in their retirement home in New Port Richey, Florida. She enjoyed home decorating, sewing, quilting, antiques, refinishing furniture, painting, bridge, reading, writing notes, traveling, and laughing.

“Most of all she loved spending time with family, her many friends and her beloved cats.

“Helen was much loved by those who knew her and will always be remembered for her warmth, generosity, helpfulness, dedication, loyalty, sense of humor, and zest for life. She will also be remembered for her tremendous faith and daily gratitude to God for her wonderful life and the loved ones she had.” 

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Helen Louise (née Heidel) Misselhorn is survived by her daughters, Barbara A. Wyman and her husband, Bruce, of Maynard, Massachusetts and Karen L. Sherwin and her husband, Brad, of Rotonda West, Florida, and by several beloved nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.

Her husband, Howard J. Misselhorn, died before her, as did her her son, James Paul Misselhorn; her sister, Barbara (née Heidel) Congdon of Pittsfield; her brother, Carl Heidel of Pittsfield; her parents, Carl Otto Heidel and Anna Marie Renard; and many beloved friends.

Visiting hours will be held at McGaffigan Funeral Home, 37 Main Street (Route 113) Pepperell, Massachusetts on Wednesday, July 20, from 4 to 7 p.m. A memorial service will be held at the Union Congregational Church, 218 Main Street, Groton, Massachusetts on Thursday, July 21, at 2 p.m. with a reception immediately following. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Union Congregational Church, Building Fund, 220 Main Street, Groton MA 01450 (www.uccgroton.net).

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