Helen Ruth Abicht died on March 19, 2016 at the age of 102. Born in Marietta, Ohio to James and Mabel Smith, Helen moved to the Newport News community of Hilton Village in 1945. She married Beryl Abicht after the war and the couple had two children. Helen was pre-deceased by her husband and is survived by a sister, Mary Deem (100), of Marietta, Ohio; her son Jim Abicht of Smithfield and wife Elaine; daughter Sandra Simmermon of Norfolk and husband Fred; two grandchildren--Jeffrey Simmermon of New York City and Jessica Gillette of Virginia Beach; and two great grand children--Gavin and Hayley Gillette. Helen's life was dedicated to service--to family, friends, neighbors, and her beloved Hilton Village community. She offered care and housing to those in need, led Girl Scout troops, was active in the PTA and the Hilton garden club and taught Sunday school. She sewed, gardened, cooked, coached basketball (loved March Madness) and made flower arrangements for all occasions, but especially for Hilton Christian Church (where she was a charter member) for some thirty years. She was always optimistic and enthusiastic about life. She lived her faith; was never callous or hard-hearted but guided by grace, patience, understanding, joy and love. Little children loved her, parents admired her and heaven protected her. She carried the banner in the Hilton Village 4th of July parade until well into her 90s and rode in the parade at 100. She was at the same time frugal and resourceful yet generous with her time and money when there was a need. In her 80s, she was part of the security team at the Smithfield Antiques Center! We are thankful for the life she led and are grateful to all who were part of her life. She will be missed but her memory will remain and bring many a smile in the days to come. May we all find the joyful adventures she found in every day. A graveside service will be held at 11 AM Friday, March 25th, at St. Luke's Cemetery in Smithfield, VA. There will be a reception at Smithfield Baptist Church immediately following the graveside service. Please bring a flower from your yard to lay at Helen's grave. Later at 4 PM, a memorial service will be held at Hilton Christian Church in Newport News with a reception to follow. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.