A memorial service will be held for Helen Louise Cain, a former longtime resident of Sharon. She passed away at 3:40 p.m. Wednesday, March 9, 2016, in The Villas at St. Paul's, West Salem Township. She was 98.

Growing up in the 1930s, Helen and her friends enjoyed the simple pleasures – picnics, bike rides and sports.

A natural athlete, Helen's favorite sports were tennis, swimming and basketball, which, on occasion, she played on roller skates.

Years later, she liked to brag about how she learned to water ski in her 50s and, at her niece's home, went down a water slide in her 80s.

Helen attended Sharon schools and graduated from Sharon High School in 1935.

Like many of her fellow classmates and friends, she went to work at the former Sharon Transformer Division of Westinghouse Electric Corp., where she made circuit breakers.  During those years, she also taught swimming classes at St. John's Episcopal Church in Sharon.

On April 13, 1939, Helen married Robert Cain of Sharpsville. They had a son, Robert (Kelly), Winchester, Va.; and a daughter, Joellen (Fred Brewer), Hermitage, and celebrated 51 years of marriage before Robert's death in August 1990.

Helen was truly the quintessential woman of the 1940s and 1950s. She thrived in her roles of wife, mother and homemaker. She was an excellent bridge player and belonged to many local clubs, including the Buhl Club and the senior center.  Knitting and playing cards were activities she enjoyed and did well. But when it came to expertise, Helen's homemade chocolates, fudge and peanut brittle were unrivaled. She loved the game of Scrabble and, more often than not, regularly beat younger family members, causing one great-nephew to describe her as "a silent assassin," the "best, hands-down, Scrabble player" he had known.

As a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church of Sharon, Helen had a strong faith and lived her life accordingly. She was kind, generous and loving, a devoted caretaker of her mother and an empathetic friend.

In addition to her two children, Helen is survived by three grandchildren, Erin (Joe Gay) Carmichael, Williston, Vt.; Melissa Carmichael, Sunnyvale, Calif.; and Shannon Cain, Richmond, Va.; and two great-grandchildren, Caleb Martin and Emily Gay, Williston. Her many nieces and nephews and their families will miss their Aunt Helen's easy laughter, warm smile and big heart. Over the last few years, she became the Rigby matriarch and lovingly presided over the family reunions.

In addition to her parents and husband, Helen was preceded in death by her brother, Joseph; and her sister, Grace (Metzger).

Helen's family wishes to recognize and thank Dr. David D'Amore; the staff of The Ridgewood at Shenango Valley, where Helen resided for three years; and the staff of The Meadows at St. Paul's for their support and attentive care.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Sharon.