Helen Lorrene Leith

 Helen Lorrene Leith, 97, passed away October 6, 2018. Helen was born September 4th, 1921 to Fay and Edna (Hammen) Galbraith of Albert City, Iowa. She was the second of three daughters. Helen graduated from Albert City High School in 1940. Helen married James Leith September 16th, 1944. They lived in Ames, Iowa while Jim pursued his undergraduate degree. While in Ames, Helen worked for AT & T as a phone operator. They also lived in Webb and at Lost Island Lake for several years before moving to Madison, Wisconsin in 1959 so Jim could attend graduate school at the University of Wisconsin. In 1960, they moved to Spencer, Iowa. Helen was a homemaker after leaving Ames. She was an excellent cook. Helen spent many hours canning vegetables Jim grew in their garden. Helen loved spending time with her family. She adored her grandchildren and great granddaughter.. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

     Survivors include her daughter, Susan (Damon) Lamb of Prescott Valley, Arizona, three grandsons, Joel (Tina Hsu) Lamb, Seattle, Washington, Justin Lamb, Albuquerque, New Mexico, David (Rachel) Leith, Portland, Oregon and a great-granddaughter, June Aurora Lamb along with beloved nieces, nephews and other family members. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, two daughters; Patricia (infant) and Sandra Leith, her parents, Fay and Edna Galbraith and two sisters, Lois Benna and Norma Jean Galbraith.

     Helen was a resident at St. Luke Lutheran Home in Spencer at the time of her death. The family wishes to express gratitude to the staff at St. Luke Lutheran Home and the caregivers from Home Instead Senior Care for their wonderful care of Helen during the last years of her life.

      A celebration of her life and private family service will occur at a later date. Ashes will be returned to rest beside her husband in Fairfield Cemetery at Albert City.

     The family requests, if desired, donations be made in Helen’s name to the Palo Alto Conservation Fund (Lost Island Nature Center), P.O. Box 417 Ruthven, Iowa 51358.

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