Helen Wilhelm Hornbeck

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