Helen Elizabeth (Doepker) Smelko

Helen Elizabeth "Wimpy" (Doepker) Smelko of Tallmadge 74, died at home with her family on Dec 15 after a long illness. Born to Frank and Rita (Ritchie) Doepker in Akron. She was a graduate of Tallmadge High school class of 1961. She met her late husband, Kenneth Smelko while working at Miracle Mart in Akron. They would have celebrated 52 years of marriage and had 4 children together. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was involved in the Mason Elementary PTA during her younger days and enjoyed being a room mother for many years. She loved shopping, going out to lunch with friends and family. In the summer, she loved to have her garden and looked forward to fresh tomatoes and was a wonderful cook. She had an infectious laugh and a smile that could warm a room and made everyone feel welcomed. She loved collecting angels and now she is one of them watching us from above.
She leaves her children Kenneth Smelko Jr., Mark (Sherri) Smelko, Sherri Smelko, April (John) Higgins; brothers, John (Linda) Doepker, Charlie (Jan) Doepker, Eli Doepker; sisters, Charlotte (John) Stock, Linda (Bob) Ferrell, Mary (Almond) Higgins ; sisters-in-law, Doloris Russo, Deanie (Joe) Webb, Gloria Doepker; grandchildren, Candice Hartney, Mark Smelko; great grandchildren, Nick Hartney, Cayden Crowe and Chance Crowe; step daughter Tena McGough; numerous nieces and nephews and friends.
Preceded in death were her parents, her beloved husband Kenneth, Aunt Helen for whom she was named after and helped raise her, Sister Molly Jarvis and many more loved ones that she has been reunited with.
A special thank you to the Summa Hospice staff.
Calling hours for family and friends will be Tuesday,December 20, 2016 from 5 to 8 pm at NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, 131 N. Canton Rd., Akron, where funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 11:30 a.m.
Interment at Greenlawn Cemetery in Uniontown.