Helen B. VanEtten, 90, of Ruckersville, VA, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 7, 2025, at University of Virginia Medical Center. She was born on August 4, 1934, in Ulysses, PA, to the late Leonard and Maude Burdick.
Helen had a remarkable sense of style which was present for all to see in her home, her gardens, and in her appearance. She was an avid reader of mysteries, love stories, and her Bible.
Helen’s working career started as a Bell Telephone Operator in Wellsville, NY. After several years, she and her boys moved to Rochester, NY where she worked at Xerox for 34 years. She retired in 1998 as a Senior Buyer Analyst. In 2009 she moved south to be closer to family, living in Tega Cay, SC for 14 years and Ruckersville, VA for 2 years.
Above all, Helen loved to be with her family. She is survived by her son, Gary VanEtten (Beth); her grandsons, Sean VanEtten (Anna) and Gregory Antonio VanEtten; her great grandchildren, Rooney VanEtten and Vivian VanEtten; her siblings, Shirley Anzivine, Robert Burdick, Ester Pauline Morley, Leonard Burdick Jr., Linda Chamberlin (David), and Erma Matteson (Denny); and her many beloved nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Helen was predeceased by her son, Gregory Alan VanEtten; her daughter-in-law, Ellen VanEtten; her grandsons, Alex VanEtten and Nolan VanEtten; and her sister, Patricia Solis (Ray).
A Celebration of Life is being arranged for early August in Potter County, PA, with details to be shared when finalized.
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
