Helen M. Otis

Helen M. (McIntyre) Otis, 96, of Hench Street, Bedford, died Sunday, February 23, 2014 at her residence surrounded by her family and her cat.  She was born on February 12, 1918, in Defiance, a daughter of the late John and Mary (McCabe) McIntyre. She is survived by the following family: son, Dr. Thomas A. Otis and wife Marilyn of Bedford, daughter, Mary M. Otis, of Annandale, VA, and a son Michael Otis and wife Joan of Dundee, NY; three grandchildren: Thomas, Matthew, and Jeremy Otis; two great-grandchildren: Patrick, and Josephine; a brother, Samuel McIntyre, of Bedford; and two sisters: Vivian Ripton of Rochester, NY, and Genevieve Kronenwetter, of St. Marys.  She was preceded in death by two sisters, Mary and Elizabeth; and a brother Norbert.

After college, Mrs. Otis, became a social worker, with her office located in Bedford.  She then joined the Westinghouse Company, during WWII, and was an original “Rosie the Riveter.” Helen then entered the corporate world in the 1950’s and retired in 1981, as a division manager Sybron Corp, in Rochester, N.Y.  Helen then traveled throughout Europe, Ireland, and Scotland, before purchasing a home in Bedford in 1985.  She was an active member of the St. Thomas Catholic Church, and enjoyed gardening, and taking care of her home. Helen will be sadly missed by all, she was an extraordinary person.

At the request of the family funeral services are private.  Arrangements by the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home, in Bedford.  Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.