Helen G. Hastings

Helen Gail Hastings (nee Cooley) passed away May 24, 2016 after a brief illness. She was 73.  She was born in Akron Ohio, March 14, 1943 to parents, Roy and Edna Cooley. Helen was the youngest of three daughters. During her childhood, they moved to North Canton where she graduated from Green High School, valedictorian, 1961.

Helen was married April 15, 1966 to Darrell Gale Hastings. They had celebrated 50 years of marriage this past spring. The two first met as children, both living on McQueeney Ave until age ten and reuniting years later at age eighteen respectively. They had two children, Roy Dean and Daniel Patrick.

 In addition to raising her family, Helen had a career in bookkeeping. She began at PPG after high school and held various positions with several companies while moving from Akron to Cleveland, settling finally in Sheffield Lake in 1978.

Helen had many interests during her life. She showcased her creativity and talents through hobbies such as ceramics, scrapbooking, knitting, and various arts and crafts. In the earlier years of her marriage she also was very active in bowling. Helen was a member in the Red Hat Society. She held a special friendship with her chapter of Fiery Fedoras. Helen had a profound passion for reading. She enjoyed crosswords and sitting by her garden pond. Helen was proud of her collections of figurines, dolls and Christmas ornaments. She held a special fondness for collectable mice. Perhaps her greatest fondness was for animals proclaiming “dogs were her favorite people”.

Helen lived her life with a strong faith in the Lord. She was baptized at Miller Avenue United Church of Christ. She often participated in various church choirs where she excelled in singing.   

In addition to being survived by her husband and sons, she is survived by her daughter in law Tina (Roy) and their children Jacob and Becca, her daughter in law Theresa (Pat) and their children Travis, Erin and Cody. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousin and beloved dachshund Sadie Sooo Long.

A memorial service will be held Saturday June 4, 2016 at Hope Lutheran Church 4792 Oster Rd. Sheffield Ohio 44054. Friends and family may call between 10:00 am and 11:15 with the service to follow immediately thereafter. Lunch and fellowship, in celebration of Helen’s life will follow the service in the church all purpose room. Cremation and services provided by Cleveland Cremation, Broadview Rd. Parma Ohio. Helen contributed faithfully to many charities during her life. In lieu of flowers, a donation in her memory to an organization of your choice is requested by the family.