A healthy, happy Helen Ramer entered the world on Valentine's Day of 1962. But life took an unexpected turn when, before the age of 1, she fell and bumped the soft spot on her head, leaving her with permanent brain damage. Only time would tell if Helen would ever walk, talk or live a "normal" life.

Helen did indeed walk, talk, laugh and learn. But more importantly, she brought joy and happiness to the many lives she was to touch.

Her needs and joys were not complex compared to some; she loved John Wayne, Elvis, Santa Claus, Knoebels, the Mifflinburg Park and family reunions. During the holidays, she would decorate the windows with stick-ems. She loved Christmas and getting gifts, yet her list was practical, and her No. 1 gift request was always toilet paper.

Giving gifts also brought her happiness. She sold toys through Friendly Homes and used her credit to purchase perfume, knickknacks and toys for family members and friends.

Helen was a stay-at-home person, so helping her mother baby-sit an array of children suited her just fine. Although she never advanced to more than that of an 8- or 9-year-old, she loved the children, shared what she knew with them and offered them all the love and care she could muster.

Reva Rebuck wrote of her daycare years with Helen: "Helen taught me my ABCs and my 1, 2, 3s, and I am now putting that knowledge to use as I set out on my own career. She helped to shape me into the woman I am today. I can only hope to have as incredible an impact on others' lives as she had."

And that's what Helen did. Despite her limitations, she affected lives for the best.

But sometimes, those who give the most wear out the soonest. That would be the case for Helen, who before the age of 50 would suffer several severe medical problems that led to her demise.

Yet, in her final months, and despite her fear of death, she offered and found solace in her surroundings. At Rolling Hills Manor, she made memories and friends with staff, and had her sisters and caretakers create a photo album of them for her to bring home and remember them by.

But Helen didn't realize how sick she was, and her return home was not to be.

n Passings is an interview with friends and family who recently lost a loved one. The features will appear occasionally on Mondays.