YOUNGSTOWN - Helen Wheland, 91, passed away peacefully Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 9, 2016, at her home with her family by her side, following a long and fulfilling life.

Helen was born May 31, 1924, in Youngstown, a daughter of the late John and Emily Sikora Andres, and was a lifelong area resident.

Mrs. Wheland was a 1942 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, and worked for a time at the McKelvey's Department Store in downtown Youngstown.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and homemaker who enjoyed cooking, baking, and gardening. Helen made everyone who came into her home feel welcome, and she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Mrs. Wheland was a member of St. Christine Church in Youngstown.

Helen's beloved husband of nearly 70 years, Edwin H. "Punch" Wheland, whom she married Sept. 4, 1944, passed away Aug. 18, 2014.

She leaves her son, Edwin (Gidget) Wheland of North Carolina; her daughter, Amy (John Jr.) Klacik of Oxford; nine grandchildren, Ed, Josh, Mary, Emile (Andy), Shawn, Matt, Abigail, Hannah, and John III; two great-grandchildren, Andrew Jr. and Kaycie; a sister, Irene Suhar of Boardman; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, a sister, Eleanor "Babe" Mickler, and a brother, Tony Andres, are  deceased.

Per Helen's wishes, there will be no services or calling hours.