Helen R. Loose

Helen R. Loose, 100, of Williamsburg, went to her eternal home Wednesday morning, March 2, 2022, at Homewood at Martinsburg surrounded by her loving family.

She was born February 7, 1922, in Williamsburg, daughter of the late Jesse M. and Lillie A. (Parks) Irvin. On Dec. 14, 1942, she married James Kedric Loose Sr. in Winchester, Va. He preceded her in death April 10, 2001, after 58 years of marriage.

She is survived by three sons: James K. Loose Jr. (Connie), L. Wayne Loose (Paulette) and Vaughn A. Loose (Miriam) all of Hollidaysburg; two daughters: Deborah J. Burket (Daniel) and Carolyn D. Brumbaugh (Dennis) both of Williamsburg; 15 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Donald C. Irvin of Williamsburg; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a son, Melvin L. Loose; three brothers: Melvin Irvin, Nelson L. Irvin and Jesse W. “Pud” Irvin; and three sisters: Beatrice A. Shock, Bernice A. Mock and Lucille G. Detwiler.

Helen attended two, one room school houses and was a 1942 graduate of Williamsburg High School. While her husband, Jim was serving our country in World War II, she did her part as a “Rosie the Riveter”, working at the Huntingdon Fiberglass Plant, as a loomer. Helen also baked and decorated many beautiful wedding and birthday cakes for her family and many other occasions.

She was a longtime member of Fairview Church of the Brethren, rural Williamsburg, where she taught Sunday school and was active in the women’s fellowship. Helen was also a member and past worthy matron for the former Williamsburg Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star.

Helen was a woman of strong faith, with a wonderful sense of humor, who loved her family with all her heart. She also enjoyed flower gardening and baking the most delicious pies.

A funeral was held Saturday, March 5, 2022, at Fairview Church of the Brethren, rural Williamsburg. Brother Thomas Hanks and Rev. Jerry McCuller Jr. officiated. Interment followed at Shellytown-Fairview Cemetery, rural Williamsburg.

Memorial contributions in memory of Helen may be given to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607 or Blair Senior Services, 1320 12th Ave., Altoona, PA 16601.

Arrangements by John K. Bolger Funeral Home Inc., Williamsburg. (www.bolgerfuneralhome.com)