WESTFIELD: Helen E. (Poehland) Sitler, 100, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Noble Hospital. She was born on January 16, 1915 in Patchogue, NY to the late Max and Edith (Rohde) Poehland and was a graduate of Mineola High School. For many years she and her husband Fred owned and operated Model Planning Company in Blairstown, NJ. She is predeceased by her husband of 46 years James F. Sitler, her brother Daniel Poehland, and his wife Cecile. Helen is survived by her loving children: James W. Sitler and his wife June of Westfield, Joan Porter and her husband Bruce of Baldwinsville, NY, and William D. Sitler and his wife Denise of Westfield. She is also survived by her cherished 10 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and her great great grandson. Gardening was a passion of hers throughout her life. For several years she could be seen on her knees at Grandmother’s Garden in Westfield, planting and tending the flowers. Her dedication to the garden in conjunction with an essay written by her granddaughter Sharon earned her the title of Grandmother of the Year of Grandmother’s Garden in 2000. There will be a service celebrating Helen’s life on Friday at 1:30 PM at the Westfield Evangelical Free Church, 568 Southwick Rd. Westfield, where she had been a member for many years. She served the Lord there with a particular focus on the youth. A favorite bible verse of hers was
St. Mark 10:14. This service will be followed by burial in Pine Hill Cemetery. Visiting hours will precede the service from 11:30 am-1:00 PM in the Firtion Adams FS, 76 Broad St. Westfield, MA 01085. Donations in Helen’s name may be directed to Grandmother’s Garden, 32 Elm St. Westfield, MA 01085 or to the Evangelical Free Church, 568 Southwick Rd. Westfield, MA 01085. www.firtionadams.com
