Helen Wilhelm Hornbeck, a former Cleveland resident, made her transition from this
world on January 7, 2011, at Habersham Home West in Demorest. She was 96 years
old.
Mrs. Hornbeck was born in Warwarsing, NY, on November 22, 1914, the daughter of
the late Frederick and Margaret Wilhelm. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Hornbeck
was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Hornbeck; her brothers, Raymond
Wilhelm and Charles “Bud” Wilhelm; her sister, Eleanor Geiselhart; her step-sons, John
Hornbeck and Edward Hornbeck; and her granddaughter, Kristin Mercantini.
During her childhood, Mrs. Hornbeck lived in Cragsmoor, NY, and following her
marriage, she and her husband resided in Napanoch, NY. The couple became part-time
residents of Bonita Springs, FL, in the 1950s. After her husband’s death in 1986 and
time spent in either Florida or New York, Mrs. Hornbeck moved to Cleveland, GA, in
1997 to be near her daughter. Throughout her adult life, Mrs. Hornbeck was known for
loving her family and friends, her sense of humor, and her crafting skills. She worked for
many years as a nursing assistant in Ellenville, NY, and never tired of her pride in those
years of service.
Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Edris “Tinker” and Donald Bachant,
formerly of Bonita Springs and now of Sautee-Nacoochee, Georgia; daughter inlaw,
Gladys Hornbeck of Port Orange, FL; granddaughters Jolen Horvath of St.
Petersburg, FL, and Danielle Bachant-Bell of Bloomington, IN; granddaughter Aleida
Ellingson of Denton, TX; grandsons Robert Hornbeck and Edward Hornbeck; and great
granddaughter, Nicole Mercantini of San Diego, CA. She is also survived by numerous
generations of beloved members of her extended family.
A celebration of life and inurnment at Fantinekill Cemetery in Ulster County, NY, will be
held at a later date.
Memorial donations can be made to: Ronald McDonald House of Tampa Bay at
www.rmhctampabay.com
Condolences to the family can be sent to Mrs. Hornbeck’s daughter, Tinker Bachant, at:
139 Doe Run, Sautee-Naccochee, GA 30571 or artist002@windstream.net