Helen VanPatten

Helen Diana (Lee) Van Patten, born on May 30, 1952, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2024, at Stillwater Hospice Care in Fort Wayne.

Helen graduated from Northside High School in 1970 and married the love of her life, Paul Richard Van Patten Sr., on April 24, 1971. Together, they built a family filled with love and cherished memories. Helen was a devoted mother to four children: Paul Van Patten Jr. (Julie), Amanda Van Patten (Michael), Stephanie Lovett (Frank), and Kevin Van Patten (Allison). She was also a proud grandmother to six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Helen's family was her greatest joy, and she especially treasured spending time with her grandchildren.

Professionally, Helen worked for Power Wheels/Mattel from 1972 to 1998 before continuing her career at Parkview until her retirement in 2009. Beyond her work, Helen found fulfillment in her faith and was deeply committed to her church community. She participated in the choir and productions such as *The Living Cross* and *The Gospel According Scrooge*.

Helen enjoyed quiet pastimes that brought her peace and joy. She loved reading her Bible, solving puzzles, completing coloring pages, and working on puzzle books. Her hobbies reflected her thoughtful and creative spirit.

Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband Paul Sr., who passed away in January 1990, and her granddaughter Adrianna in March 2024. She is survived by her brother John Lee of Fort Wayne, who shared a lifelong bond with her.

A celebration of Helen's life will be held to honor the remarkable woman she was on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 2:00p.m., at Grace Summit Church, 5903 Dupont Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46825, with Pastor Larry Goodwin officiating. There will be a visitation held beforehand from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.

Arrangements for Helen were entrusted to the Fairmount Chapel of Armes-Hunt Life Celebration Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 415 South Main Street, Fairmount, Indiana 46928.

Online memories and condolences may be left at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com.