Helen Marie Sekin

LCDR (ret.) Helen Marie Sekin passed away peacefully Thursday morning June 16th, 2011 at Virginia Baptist Hospital. A native of Bedford, Helen graduated from Lynchburg General Hospital School of Nursing in 1945. She joined the United States Navy as a nurse and served in Japan, San Diego, CA, Bethesda, MD, Morocco, Groten, CT, Charleston, SC, among other ports-of-call. Through her career she served as an administrator and educator. Upon retirement she enrolled at University of West Florida and completed degrees in French and Spanish. Helen returned to Virginia and resided in Lynchburg to be near her mother and sister. Always the avid traveler, she particularly enjoyed visiting her brother and his family in Texas. Helen truly saw beauty no matter where she was and shared this lesson through a life of humble kindness. Her quiet faith was an inspiration to friends and family and her positive attitude never faltered. She was a long-time member of Court Street United Methodist Church and found peace through her spirituality. She loved adventure, scholarship, music, dance, and tennis.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents Frank Sekin and Mary Sekin Buford; sister Angie Leebrick and her husband Reams; and foster mothers Belle and Leonardine Wright. She is survived by her brother Darrell J. Sekin and his wife Rita; nieces and nephews Darrell J. Sekin Jr. and wife Marty; Geraldine Godsey and husband Randy; Paul Sekin and wife Bonnie; Mary Jo Coronado and husband Henry; Chris Sekin; John P. Leebrick; and Thomas S. Leebrick and wife B.J. She is also survived by ten great nieces and nephews and five great-great nieces and nephews, as well as many beloved caregivers and friends.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Sunday, June 19, 2011 at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg. A celebration of Helen's life will follow at 3 P.M. with Rev. C. Douglas Pillow officiating.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Court Street United Methodist Church, 621 Court Street, Lynchburg, VA, 24504.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family, (434) 237-9424.