Helen M. Mills

Helen Marion Mills, 87, of Saint Clair, passed away peacefully Sunday, April 16, 2023, at the end of a long day surrounded by many family members.

She was born July 21, 1935, in Branchdale, to the late Kenneth and Helen (McGovern) Romberger.

Helen was a graduate of Pottsville Catholic High School. At age 40, she pursued her lifelong dream of going back to school to become a licensed practical nurse, graduating as the valedictorian of her class.

Her passions also included reading books – immersing herself in the lives of many literary characters; painting – creatively capturing beautiful landscapes, the likenesses of people and animals, as well as experimenting with the abstract; and cats, leaving behind her beloved feline, Leo.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Mary Helen, and a brother, Kenneth.

Helen is survived by two sons, Joseph F. Mills Jr. and wife, Kelly, of Spring Grove, Pa.; Kenneth W. Mills and his fianceé, Rachel Raczka, of Saint Clair; and one daughter, Carolyn M. Hoover and husband, Gene, of Waynesboro, Virginia.

Helen was a fierce protector and loved her children deeply, sometimes tough love, maintaining her devotion until the end. Her 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren were also recipients of that affection.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Monday, April 24, at St. Clare of Assisi RC Church, 250 E. Hancock St., Saint Clair. The Rev. Monsignor William Glosser will be officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:30 to 10 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hillside SPCA, P.O. Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901. While we grieve the loss of Helen’s life, there is peace in knowing that she will be painting fields of daffodils in heaven.