Helen Anna (Kosel) Smith

Helen A. (Kosel) Smith, 91, of Sandusky, OH died peacefully in her sleep and went home to be with her beloved husband Bob on Sunday morning June 8, 2025, at Stein Hospice after a lengthy battle with leukemia.

Helen was a “doer” who was always “doing”! She enjoyed starting each day humming while cooking breakfast for her loving husband. Born on April 7, 1934, in Sandusky, where she lived her entire life, first on the family farm on Pipe St until marrying her husband of over 50 years Robert “Bob” L. Smith (9/12/32-10/29/2013).

She was a loving wife, devoted working mother, and faithful Christian woman who shared her time, talent, treasures, knowledge and love with her large extended family, neighbors, and community. She had a long work history, starting first on the family farm where among her many chores were feeding the chickens, gathering their eggs, and harvesting the fruits and vegetables. Her most notable (& longest) position was as bookkeeper at Disbrow Realty, but she also worked in customer service at Montgomery Ward and Sears, as well as a bank teller.

For leisure, Helen enjoyed many hobbies with Bob: fishing, boating, gardening, watching Hallmark movies, cooking for her family, and playing games with their grandkids. Among her many talents, she was a musician who played the organ, piano, accordion, and sang in the church choir. She was also a prolific fiber artist crocheting and knitting afghans for her family and friends.

Helen is survived by her daughter and son-in-law: Lee Ellen & Jack Dickman (Rathdrum, ID) who have lovingly cared for Helen during the final years of her illness, grandchildren: Brett (Bethany) Dickman (Bartlesville, OK), Cearra (Kolby) Kuenzel (Rathdrum, ID), and great-grandchildren: Hailee, Alyssa, and Tiernie. Along with extended family stepdaughters: Linda (William) Ewers (Sandusky OH), Teresa Winkle (St Mary’s, OH), grandchildren: April, Hugh, Brandon, Aaron, great-grandchildren: Alicia, Ethan, Chloe, Kaylee, Troy, brothers: Alden “Buzz” (Ann) Kosel, Dale Kosel, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by parents, George & Esther (Witt) Kosel; husband, Robert L Smith; brother, Roger Kosel; sister, Dorothy Durkin; sister-in-law, Mitsy Kosel; stepdaughter, Connie Cole; and grandson, Adam.

Helen will be cremated. No funeral services are planned per her request. Family & friends will gather in the future for a private celebration of life gathering.

Memorial contributions may be made in Helen’s memory to Stein Hospice Service, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH 44870 or Humane Society of Erie County 1911 Superior St, Sandusky, OH 44870.

Pfeil Funeral Home, Sandusky Chapel, 617 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky has been entrusted with arrangements.

Condolences may be shared with the family at pfeilfuneralhome.com.

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