Helen Mae (Shaner) Aberth, 96, passed away peacefully Oct. 7, 2021, at Magnolia Manor Assisted Living in Smithfield. Born June 20, 1925, in Akron, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Bertha E. (Ziffel) and Cyril B. Shaner. On Nov. 25, 1947, she married Edward G. Aberth in Akron. They then moved to New Philadelphia, where they raised their family. They celebrated 64 years of marriage before his passing June 18, 2012.

Helen was a graduate of Garfield High School and Hammel Business School in Akron, becoming the bookkeeper for Max Miller at Miller Studio and later for Aberth’s Bakery & Catering in New Philadelphia, which she and Ed owned until 1976. She loved decorating the store windows and also the catered weddings.

In retirement, Helen and Ed shared their love of auctions and antiques, linens and lace at antiques shows and through her shop, “Helen’s Linen Closet.” She was famous for her collection of old hats and teddy bears.

After retirement in 1993, Helen and Ed moved to Clover, South Carolina, and later to Virginia in 2004, where Helen joined the Red Hat Society, Women’s Circle, and M & M Club of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Smithfield.

Helen extended her love of flowers and gardening as she cared for the courtyard flower beds at Magnolia Manor. She also enjoyed playing cards, embroidering, doing puzzles, reading (especially Westerns) and, of course, Hallmark movies! She truly made the world a more beautiful place as she shared her green thumb and gardening talents wherever she lived. Wherever she planted her roots, she planted her flowers as well. For her nine years at Magnolia Manor, she was the unofficial “Welcome Wagon” lady for all new residents, making all feel welcome. She made sure that everyone received a birthday card.

She is survived by her daughters: Linda DiDonato, of Dover, Ohio, Connie (Tom) McColley, of West Virginia, Diana (Terry) LeMonte, of Uhrichsville, Ohio, and Beth Aberth (Dave Garner), of Virginia, four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews and extended family. She was predeceased by parents, Bertha and Cyril, husband, Ed, sister, Dorothy Cowling, and brother, Kenneth Shaner.

Helen’s family would like to express heartfelt thanks to Helen’s Magnolia Manor Family for their love and care during the last nine years of Helen’s life. We love you, too!

A memorial service celebrating Helen’s life will be held at a later date.