Helen L. Polauf, age 81, was called home to be with the Lord on Wednesday April 10, 2024, after her courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family and friends.

She was born on February 15, 1943, in Elberta, Alabama to the late Mary and Ignace Polauf. Her family eventually settled in Maryland. She was a graduate of St. Josephs School of Nursing in Baltimore. She spent her career of over 40 years as a nurse caring for others in various capacities. She served as a nursing instructor in Lynchburg, Va, developed and ran a heart surgery suite in California, served on the heart team at the University of Virginia and was a hospital head nurse in Lancaster, PA.

In 1969 Helen enlisted in the United States Army and served in Vietnam as a nurse earning the rank of Captain. She continued to serve others through mission trips that took her to Russia, Guatemala, Haiti after an earthquake, and New Orleans, LA after Hurricane Katrina. After retirement she spent 6 months in Ethiopia helping develop a nursing program.

Rest in peace dear Helen, your luminous spirit continues to inspire all who had the honor of knowing you. Your light shines on the lives of those you touched, a beacon of love, warmth and kindness. Her legacy will continue to resonate in the hearts and minds of those fortunate enough to have known her. Her kindness, integrity, and devotion to her family will forever be cherished.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by siblings, George Polauf, Joseph Polauf, Mary Zaunfuchs, Elizabeth Gessner, and Barbara Ponella.

She is survived by siblings, Margaret Wallace of Middletown, DE, Theresa Crew of Galena, MD, Anna Ford of Sudlersville, MD, Frank Polauf of Colchester, CT, and Agnes Pechin of Massey, MD along with many loving nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday April 27, 2024 at 4 PM at the Real Life Community Church, 938 Middletown Warwick Rd. Middletown, DE 19709.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Real Life Community Church.

Arrangements by Galena Funeral Home of Stephen L. Schaech