It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Margaret A. "Marnie"Helm on 8/18/18 in Orlando, Florida.  She was 72 years old.

Born in Sharon, PA on August 8, 1946, she was the daughter of James C. and Mary B. Hermann.

A lifelong area resident, she graduated from Sharon High School in 1964 and, in 1967, she graduated from Youngstown State University having received her bachelor's degree in education and her teaching certificate.  She taught in the Sharon school district, and later in the Sandusky, Ohio school district, for several years before becoming a successful small business owner in Hermitage.

In 1987, Marnie opened Shaker Tree Studio, a distinctive gift and collectibles store on East State St.  It featured a large selection of unique items for all occasions.  She was a registered bridal consultant and belonged to the National Bridal Association.  She was a designer of baskets for Basketville, Inc in Vermont. In fact, her hand painted and personalized picnic baskets were so unique and well known that they were routinely found on most bridal registries.

In 1996, Marnie re-married and settled with her new husband in Naples, Florida.  For the next several years, she traveled extensively and enjoyed playing bridge and spending time with friends. In 2001, she sold the store which had been her passion for 15 years and permanently settled in Naples.  Over the past 7 years, Marnie has been enjoying the company of her boyfriend, George Uding.  She has cherished these years with him and his wonderful family.

She is survived by her three children: Marell Howie, Harrisburg, PA; Matthew Johnston, Mechanicsburg, PA; Amy Kerman, Houston, TX.  She has 6 grand children: Sam and Teegan Howie, Ben and Erin Johnston, Avery and Alex Kerman.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary B and James C. Hermann.  Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to a charity of the donor's choice.

She will be missed.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 15, 2018, in St. Rose Cemetery chapel, Hermitage, with Rev. Thomas Whitman, pastor of St. Joseph Church, Sharon, as celebrant.

The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass in the chapel.

Arrangements by J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.