Rose Lillian Richardson Helsel, 89, formerly of Newtown, died peacefully August 18 at the Kingston, N.Y., home of her daughter and son-in-law, Lynn and Richard Wade, with whom she lived for the past ten years. She was born March 1, 1925, to Lillian (Piesker) and Blaine A.  Richardson, in Syracuse, N.Y. 

She graduated from high school in Syracuse and then attended and graduated from Powelson Business Institute. She was employed as a legal secretary in Syracuse. During World War II she left for factory work, manufacturing .50 caliber machine guns for the B-24 Liberator, the plane (Fabulous Fanny) her future husband piloted over Burma and China. 

She married Robert G. Helsel in 1948, moved to Connecticut, and settled in Newtown. She was employed in the area as a bookkeeper and office manager. The Helsels were longtime active members of Newtown Congregational Church. They had been married 48 years when Mr Helsel died in 1996.

Her children Rose Lynn, and her husband Richard Wade, Janet Rae, and Robert, Jr; grandchildren Charity, Richard Jr, Christian, and Erica; and six great-grandchildren survive Mrs Helsel. Her parents; brothers Walter and Charles; sister Jane; and infant daughter Christine preceded her in death.

Graveside services were held at Newtown Village Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.