Helen Marie Abbott, 95, of Stewartville, Minn., formerly of LeRoy, Minn., passed away Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012, at Stewartville Care Center, in Stewartville.

Helen was born July 11, 1917, on a farm in Guthrie County, Adair Iowa to John and Emma (Langenfeld) Mertes. She attended Grant Township County School through eighth grade and graduated in 1936 from Adair High School. She worked in a FSA office in Guthrie Center, Iowa. Helen married Joseph Bishop Abbott, Feb. 12, 1942. Following Joe’s 3 1/2 years tour of duty with the Navy Seabees, they bought a farm near Menlo, Iowa, where they lived for five years. In 1951, they moved to a farm near LeRoy, where they raised their family and farmed for many years. They retired to LeRoy in 1988. In the fall of 2007, she moved to the Care Center in Stewartville.

Helen was a member of St. Patrick’s Church in LeRoy, Minn., and its Rosary Society, a member of Post 146 Legion Auxiliary, Adams, Minn., the Lodi Project Club, LeRoy History Club, LeRoy Senior Citizens and was an avid Twins fan. She said her greatest accomplishment was raising her family. Helen wished to be remembered for her sense of humor. Family and friends will always remember her sweet smile.

Helen is survived by three daughters, Charlotte (Steve) O’Connor of Spring Valley, Minn., JoAnn (Michael Anderson) Abbott of Red Wing, Minn., Linda (Brian Roe) Abbott-Roe, of Port Townsend, Wash; one son, John (Aimee) Abbott of Chippewa Falls, Wis.; nine grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Joe (1997); one sister; and three brothers.

Funeral services for Helen Abbott will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, 2012, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in LeRoy with Father Marreddy Pothireddy officiating. Burial will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in LeRoy. Friends and family may gather from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, 2012, at Hindt Funeral Home in LeRoy and one hour prior to the service at the church. Condolences may be left online at www.hindtfuneralhomes.com