Helen Brierley

Helen Fogle Brierley passed away on January 17 at Sun Valley Lodge in Sun City Arizona, where she had lived for 10 years. She was 92 years young. Helen was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, George H. Brierley. She is survived by her children: Douglas, Tom, and Mary Peterman. Her six grandchildren: Kelly Brierley Sharpe, Chad Brierley, Kyle Brierley, Evan Brierley, Heather Brierley, and J.T. (John) Mezick. Helen has two great grandchildren, Ariana Drogmiller and Teagan Sharpe. Helen was the youngest of six children born to Georgianna and George Fogle in Pleasantville, PA on November 25, 1917. She was the baker in her family and famous for her apple pies. Her twin brother Howard, brothers Gordon and Fred, sisters Edith Harper of Oil City, PA, and Gladys Bush of Sun City, AZ, preceded Helen in death. Helen graduated from Indiana State University of Pennsylvania with a teaching degree. She taught business classes for many years in Oil City and Bradford, PA. While there Helen was known for her sports prowess. She was accomplished at basketball and swimming. After raising their children in Bradford, PA George and Helen retired to Sun City Arizona, in 1982. Helen enjoyed many activities there. Her favorite was golf. One of the happiest and memorable times was when she hit a “hole in one.” She promptly quit at the peak of her game. Helen had a wonderful positive personality. She had a great sense of humor and always carried a smile on her face. Everything was “SUPER” to her. She loved music of all kinds and was constantly singing a tune. She sang in the church choir for most of her life and loved to play the piano. She and George loved to dance. She always considered the glass to be “half full”. Helen touched many lives, was greatly loved and will be missed by many. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday January 22 at 2 PM at the First Presbyterian Church, 12225 103rd Ave., Sun City, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, please direct remembrances to Alzheimer’s Association of America at www.alzfdn.org or Hospice of the Valley at http://www.hov.org/donate.aspx Phoenix, Arizona.