Helen Kristaponis (nee Zemaitis), 92, of West Bend died peacefully on Dec. 6, 2011 at the Samaritan Health Center.

Helen was born Feb. 19, 1919 in Philadelphia, Pa. to Ursula (nee Jakubouskas) and Joseph Zemaitis. She married the late Albert Kristaponis, Aug. 9, 1945 and they lived in Philadelphia until 1968 when they moved to Magnolia, N.J.

Helen worked in Philadelphia and N.W. & Sons advertising company, and later for Helmsley-Greenfield Real Estate, until she retired in 1986. After moving to West Bend to be closer to her family Helen traveled worldwide, was active with the YMCA and volunteered at Lac Lawrann Conservancy until her health failed in 2009. While she filled many roles at Lac Lawrann, she’s best remembered for making sure everyone felt welcome, needed and appreciated.

Helen is survived by her daughter Joanne (Daniel) Kline of West Bend and grandsons Jonathan Kline and Timothy Kline of Milwaukee. She was preceded in death by her sister, Amelia "Millie" Atgalainis.

A Memorial Mass of Christian burial will be Monday, Dec. 12, 2011 at 11 a.m. at Holy Angels Catholic Church with the Rev. Gerald Brittain presiding. Visitation will be Monday, at the church only from 10 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Memorials to the Friends of Lac Lawrann Conservatory are appreciated.

Inurnment will occur in Holy Cross Cemetery in Yeardon, Pa.

The Schmidt Funeral Home in West Bend is serving the family.

Online guestbook and condolences are available at www.schmidtfuneralhome.com.