Formerly of Wilmington - Helen Ruth Todderud passed away in her sleep June 13, 2020 at Jenner’s Pond in West Grove, PA. She was 91.
Born in Baltimore, MD to the late Fred and Gertrude Pifer, Helen moved to Pennsylvania in 1939 and graduated from Lansdowne High School in 1946. She entered Blackstone College and transferred to Penn State, graduating with a BA in Sociology. She began work for DuPont in Wilmington where she met her future husband Charlie Todderud. They married in 1955 and went on to have sons Gordon, John and Eric.
Helen was very involved at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, the AAUW organization, Delta Gamma and Christiana Hospital Junior Board. Helen and Charlie had a rich social life, with long-term participation in several bridge clubs and ballroom dancing. They enjoyed summers at Ocean City, MD since the 1950s, recently at their residence in Ocean Place. Hosting and attending get-togethers with an extended group of relatives was a real delight. They traveled, cruised and had a strong circle of friends as long as they were physically able.
Helen and Charlie were married for 63 years. They viewed maintaining close contact as an adventure after their sons moved about the country. They were exceedingly proud of their grandchildren Elise, Stephen, Alison, Jacob, Julia and Tommy. They had a loving relationship with their daughter-in-law Elizabeth who provided devoted support in recent years.
Helen’s family knew her as one of the most caring, concerned, hard working, and encouraging parents we could have hoped for. She loved seeing her family getting out, trying new things, pursuing their passions, and having fun, knowing that she and Charlie had instilled in them strong moral values. All who had contact with her were influenced by this loving woman.
A memorial service will be held at 11 AM Friday November 26, at the St. Barnabas Church, 2800 Duncan Rd, Wilmington, DE19808 where the family will receive friends beginning at 10 AM while respecting Covid restrictions. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Barnabas Church, Music Department.
For online condolences visit:www.mccreryandharra.com
