Helen Sousae Gerlach

Helen Sousae Gerlach BSN, MSN, age 97. Born to Merle and Freda Sousae in Oil City, PA. Helen was raised in Franklin, PA and moved to Cleveland, OH as a young woman. Dearest wife (m. 1947) of Dr. Julius A. Gerlach (d. 2000). Beloved mother of Susanne Kuelbs (William J.), Cynthia Clark and Heidi Kramer (Les). Loving grandmother of Jennifer Clark, William Kuelbs, Robert Kuelbs (Meaghan), Jessica Weber (Chaz) and Alexander Kramer (Jennifer). Great-grandmother of Eden, Elle and Jude Weber, Marley and Cora Kramer and Maxwell Kuelbs. Sister of John (Jack) Sousae and George Sousae. Preceded in death by siblings Elizabeth (Betty) Sousae McMichael, Dorothy Sousae Stover, Robert Sousae and William Sousae. Aunt and great-aunt to many. A free-spirit, Helen believed that life was to be lived as a daily adventure. She served as an inspiration to all who knew her. Helen worked as a registered nurse, business administrator, clinical nursing instructor, and was accomplished in many other roles. She received her master’s degree in nursing at the age of 68 and was promptly employed by the University of Akron (her alma mater) as an instructor. Helen held many volunteer positions in the Greater Cleveland community. She delighted all as an artist and poet. “…but higher are they who find pleasure in art, in nature and science and deeds of the heart.” (from the poem Live it Well by Helen S. Gerlach). Private Family Services.