Obituary of Shirley Jean Helms

Shirley Jean (Burnham) Helms of Summerville, SC, formerly of Cortland passed away January 10, 2019 at age 73. Shirley lost her loving husband J. Michael Helms in 2016, they had been married over 50 wonderful years. Shirley is survived by: daughter, Heather (Dino) Pustalka of Summerville, SC; sons, Tony Helms of Ithaca and Peter Helms of Muskegon, MI; grandchildren, Jordan Helms, Zackary, Jacob and Michael Pustalka, Adrianna, Ashley, Anthony, Mason, Kylie, Lyra and Eli Helms; sister, Charlotte (Jean) Ellsworth, and brothers: Douglas and Steve Burnham. Brother-in-Law; John Helms; sisters-in-law; Sharon Gay, Kristin (Chic) Wilson, Mary Jo Helms (Angelina Griffen), Rosemary (Steve) Malchak and Donna Helms; several nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren. Predeceased by parents, Francis and Betty Burnham; mother and father-in-law, Jack and Betty Helms; son, Chad Helms; daughter Lisa Helms; sister Marsha Stevens; brothers-in-law; Mark and Patrick Helms, Walter Gay; sister-in-law, Kelly Williams; nephew, Patrick Gay. The things that meant most to Shirley include her faith, family, friends, reading and knitting. Friends may call at Wright Beard Funeral Home, 9 Lincoln Avenue, Wednesday 4 -7 PM. Shirley's Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday 10:30 AM at St. Mary's Church, 59 N Main St., Cortland. Interment private. Memorials in Shirley's memory may be made to Roper St. Francis Hospice in Charleston, SC.