Helen Van Cleave's Obituary
Passed away on June 6,2015, in Lewisville, TX. Born on July 4, 1924, in Maizeville, PA, she graduated from Frackville High School in 1942. Upon graduation she moved to Washington, D.C., where she worked for the Office of Strategic Services, precursor to the Central Intelligence Agency, for the remainder of World War II. She met and married the love of her life, V. J. Van Cleave, after the war and moved with him to Texas where they owned a small newspaper in Dallas for several years. Helen retired from Southern Methodist University in 1978. She continued to work part time for many years and was extremely active in her church. She and V. J. traveled extensively, particularly throughout North America and Europe. Helen was predeceased by her husband of 57 years in 2003, five brothers, and three sisters. Survivors include her daughter, Virginia Van Cleave, son-in-law, Kenneth Cowle, and granddaughter, Kate Van Cleave Cowle, all of Bedford, brother, Peter Rachko, of Frackville, PA, sister-in-law, Taissa Rachko, of Minneapolis, MN, sister-in-law, Irene Rachko, of Allentown, PA, and numerous nieces and nephews. Services will take place at 12:30 pm, Thursday, June 11, 2015 at Restland Wildwood Chapel with visitation 1 hour prior to the service in the chapel.
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