Helen Marie (Goecke) Newell, age 78, of Great Mills, Maryland, passed away on September 14, 2024.

Helen was born in Estherville, Iowa, grew up in Royale, and during high school moved to Wichita, KS graduating from South High School in 1965. Helen married Ken Newell on April 15, 1966, and they were married for 51 years. They chose April 15th because it was her birthday and a gentle reminder to pay their taxes.

Helen was a Navy wife, moving around the world with her husband Ken to California, Spain, Guam, and finally settled in Great Mills, Maryland. After arriving in Maryland, Helen restarted her career as a teacher's aide at Green Holly School, working with developmentally challenged children. When Katie was born with cerebral palsy, this experience proved vital as she devoted her life to helping Katie to have a fulfilling life. When Katie died in 1990, she started working at United Cerebral Palsy of Southern Maryland, quickly rising through the ranks to become the Director of the Lexington Park office. During her tenure, she touched the lives of many, tirelessly working to help those less fortunate. Along the way she went back to school, earning her Bachelor's Degree.

After retiring from United Cerebral Palsy, she worked full-time with her husband atthe GrapeVine Antique and Collectibles. Helen had a good eye for stylish items to sell and worked hard to keep the expanding antique tool section in check.

Helen is survived by her sons Steve and Kevin, daughter-in-laws Ellen and Olena, sister Joan, and 5 wonderful grandchildren, Isabella, Gabriella, Andrew, Sasha, and Naomi. She was preceded in death by her parents Jenny and Raymond, her brother Michael, her sister Mary, her husband Keith, and her two angels Darren and Katie.

A memorial service will be held on October 13, 2024.