“Love is stronger than death even though it can’t stop death from happening, but no matter how hard death tries, it can’t separate people from love. It can’t take away our memories either. In the end, life is stronger than death.”
Born April 29, 1926 to Dennis & Mildred Wyckoff, Helen enjoyed a childhood in Simpson, WV. She graduated from Grafton High School and went on to Philadelphia for nursing school. She had a heart for helping others and worked her first job at Fairmont Emergency Hospital. Later, she joined the Marion County Rescue Squad as a charter member at the Mannington Substation.
On February 16, 1952, Helen married the late Bob Shenal from Mannington. They lived in Rachel for a short time before settling in Mannington to start a family. Kathy & Bobby lit up her world. She enjoyed raising them and became quickly involved in their activities, including PTO president at Wilson School. Neighborhood and church picnics were among many activities she enjoyed organizing.
Camping trips were a favorite pastime with her family – so much so that once her children were grown, she loved visiting her cabin near Petersburg, WV, where she made numerous trips with extended family and her closest friends. Always strong in her faith, she formed several strong friendships with members of her church family at Mannington Church of Christ.
She retired in 2001, after 25 years with the U.S. Postal Service. As a Post Master, she attended conventions in Hawaii, Washington D.C. and Virginia Beach along with several postmaster conventions around the state. Traveling was still a favorite activity for Helen. She was still very active and in the past few years had traveled to London, England; Krakow, Poland and Savannah, GA. She enjoyed many excursions to outlet malls, weekend getaways to the WV mountains and other trips with her closest friends.
She knew the taste of a good homemade apple dumping and enjoyed sharing recipes with her oldest granddaughter, Whitney, or watching a movie together during their many sleepovers. Fashion was a favorite subject when talking to her granddaughter, Erin, as they swapped purses and shopping tips. Her grandson, Derek, enjoyed chats on the porch in the summer while sharing a bowl of potato salad. Helen and Eli, her youngest grandson, spent hours perusing old family photos; laughing and talking about years past.
She is survived by two children and their spouses, Kathy & Tom Daniel of Katy and Bob & Elizabeth Shenal of Metz; four grandchildren, Eli Shenal of Metz, Derek Daniel and Erin Daniel of Katy and Whitney Losacker and her husband, Brandon; 2 great-grandchildren, Noah & Isaac Losacker,; and one brother, Bob Wyckoff of Niles, MI.
She is also survived by several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; Myrtle Wyckoff of Fairmont, Norma Lee Wyckoff of Grafton, Dolores Manzo of Fairmont, Jack & Betty Shenal of Mannington and Dick & Jo Shenal of Ohio.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Shenal, Sr.; two brothers, Kenny Wyckoff and Jerry Wyckoff; and an infant sister, Betty Jo Wyckoff.
The family will welcome friends from 2p-9p on Friday and 10a – 11a Saturday at Masters Funeral Home in Mannington. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday; burial will follow at Viewpoint Cemetery in Rachel. Memorial Donations to honor Helen’s memory may be sent to: Christian relief Fund, PO Box 19670, Amarillo, TX 79114-1670. Or WV Christian Youth Camp, c/o Denny Bainbridge, 207 Fairmont Ave, Fairmont, WV 26554. On-Line condolences may be left for the family at www.mastersfuneralhomewv.com
Condolences
Our sympathy is extended in your time of loss. Although our family is getting thinner every day, we rest easy in the knowledge that our elders have given all of us the benefits of there wisdom as we move forward in the life God has given us. You are in our prayers.
Sending our deepest sympathy. Helen will be greatly missed. Remembering you in thought and prayer.
So Sorry to learn of your Mom's death.. I will tell Mom soon, when I feel the time is right.. She will be very upset.. She and your Mom had some great times together.. and great memories.. I have memories too, of when we would come and visit.. My heartfelt Sympathy with you, and Bobby and all your families.. Your Mom certainly was a special lady..
I wish comfort and peace for the Shenal family during this time of grief. Remember the good times.