Helen Marie Lord Wirsch, 93, died peacefully Sunday, April 23, 2023. Helen was born on April 2, 1930, in Washington D.C. and grew up in Chevy Chase, MD. She was the daughter of Herbert and Esther Lord. Helen graduated from Syracuse University in 1952, with a degree in Music Education. She was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority. She married John Erts Wirsch at the Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament in Washington D. C. on June 28, 1952. Helen became a High School Music and Choir teacher in Fabius, NY. Helen and John then lived in Rome, NY, and then were transferred to Midwest City, OK., and finally Sacramento, CA. in 1973. Helen stayed at home raising 5 children. While in Carmichael, Helen was a daycare provider for many neighborhood children. Helen was active in her church, becoming choir director at St. John’s Church in Carmichael and then Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Sacramento. After John retired, he and Helen traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada, visiting all but two states in their RV. Helen has lived at The Atrium of Carmichael for the last 13 years, most recently with her dog Jasper.
Helen is preceded in death by the love of her life John, her parents, and her brother Herbert. Helen is survived by her sister, 5 children and their families: Lois C. Lord, sister in Gaithersberg, MD.; Michael and Pamela, son and daughter-in-law in Auburn, CA.; Eric, son in West Sacramento, CA.; Brian and Traci, son and daughter-in-law in Orlando, FL.; Joan and Howard, daughter and son-in-law in West Sacramento, CA.; Kevin and Tina, son and daughter-in-law in Las Vegas, NV.
Helen is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren: Megan and her husband Lewis; children Nathan, Jacob, Lukas, and Arianna in Springville, UT.; Peter and his wife Cynthia in Auburn, CA.; Matthew in Chino Valley, AZ.; Stephen in Lake Forest, CA.; Aaron in Laguna Niguel, CA.; Chandler in West Sacramento, CA.; Joshua in Salt Lake City, UT.; Carissa; children Peyton and William in Henderson, NV.; Porsha and her husband Phil; children Charles, Andrew, and Ryan in Henderson, NV.; Alaric in Las Vegas, NV.; Brighton in Henderson, NV.; and Kevin Jr. in Las Vegas, NV. She is also survived by her nephew Mark in Philadelphia, PA. and 7 nieces and their families in New Jersey, New York and Florida; Madeline, Lauren, Nancy, Kathy, Roberta, Elizabeth, and Lisa.
A Memorial Mass will be held Friday, June 2nd at 11:00 am at Calvary Funeral Center Resurrection Chapel followed by the Committal Services at approximately 12:00 pm at Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements are being made by Calvary Cemetery and Funeral Center.