Helen C. Carr

Helen Carol Carr, best known for her love of her family and friends, her sarcastic sense of humor, and infectious smile and laughter, passed away peacefully at the age of 85 in Toledo, Ohio following complications from Congestive Heart Failure on March 10, 2024.

Helen was born in Anderson, Indiana in 1939 to William H. Steimer and Wanda Albright Steimer. She was a graduate of Madison Heights High School in Anderson, Indiana where she was a member of Tri-Gamma Sorority. She was known for bringing fun to any occasion, her card playing ability (including Bridge), and her wide circle of friends. After high school, Helen attended Indiana Business school and studied Stenography and worked as a stenographer (she was an expert in shorthand) for many years before becoming a stay-at-home mom.

While raising her children, Helen was active in Tri-Kappa Philanthropic Sorority in Kokomo, Indiana, and later she became a member of PEO Sorority, volunteering for various charity events. She was an active school volunteer, chairing various elementary and high school functions throughout her children’s school years. She was also active at Grace United Methodist Church and Shiloh Methodist Church in Kokomo, Indiana. Helen was known for being the “fun mom” and the Carr household was often the meeting place where the high school kids would love to hang out.

At the age of 47, Helen once again entered the workforce becoming a receptionist at Crew Buchanan and Lowe Law Firm in Dayton, Ohio where she worked for 14 years. She sang and acted in community musicals and spent time traveling and having fun with her loyal group of girlfriends. In 2000, Helen moved to Indianapolis, Indiana and worked at SM&P as a receptionist until she retired in 2006. She was active with the ‘Bunco Babes’ for decades and socialized with many circles of friends.

Helen was predeceased by her parents William H. Steimer and Wanda Albright Steimer of Anderson, Indiana, her sister Sue Ann Partner (Bruce) of St. Augustine, Florida, and her sister Jo Steimer. She is survived by her brother William (Bill) Steimer (Patsy) of Portland, Oregon.

Helen is also survived by her children Karin Surber (John Sayre) of Maumee, Ohio, Kelly Gangl (Ken) of Raleigh, North Carolina, and David Carr (Marisa) of San Antonio Texas. Despite the distance between them, the Carr kids have remained close to each other and their mother, and frequently make trips to spend time with each other to laugh, play games, and tell silly stories.

Though Helen loved spending time with her children and friends, her favorite role was that of a grandparent. She treasured time with her grandkids and loved being their grandma. Her beloved grandchildren include Kaitlyn Surber (Bradley Obrien) of Indianapolis, Taylor Sebastian (Jeff) of Gainesville, Virginia, Ashley Soter (George) of Norman, Oklahoma, Molly Surber of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Gianni Carr of Clarksville, Tennessee.

Helen is also survived by her great-grandson Colton Leo O’Brien of Indianapolis, and grand-daughter Eleanor Jane Sebastian of Gainesville, Virginia. It was not uncommon to hear Helen bragging about how beautiful and intelligent her great grandchildren are. According to her, they were, of course, advanced well beyond their ages.

Helen’s nieces and nephews also played an important role in her life. She is survived by Vicki Partner Pepper (Stephen), and Bruce ‘Chip’ Partner (Sally), Lora Bailey Toombs, Susie Lucey (Tom), Linda Woschitz (David), and Jessie Henninger (Daniel).

Last, but not least, Helen is survived by countless friends whom she loved and cherished, most of them lifelong. No matter where she lived, Anderson, Kokomo, Centerville, Indianapolis, or Toledo, she created friendships with wide circles of friends who were never further than a phone call away.

A Celebration of Life and burial of cremated remains will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Maplewood Chapel and Cemetery, 200 College Drive Anderson, Indiana, 46012. Donations to the American Heart Association can be made in Lieu of Flowers.