Helen Irene West

If one could choose a flower that would best represent who Helen Irene West was and what she meant to those who loved her, that flower would be the pink gladiolus. The gladiolus, whose name is derived from the Latin gladius, meaning sword, is known to survive and thrive in the harshest of conditions, and symbolizes strength, faithfulness, honor and moral integrity.

Helen Irene West, born June 11, 1952 in Fayetteville, North Carolina, daughter of Richard and Georgia Peters, was a woman faithfully devoted to God and to her family. She was honest, kind, and selfless above all, and her constant faith and unwavering support were like beacons for those she loved, providing the light and guidance needed to see their way through. Helen was warm and embracing of everyone she met, and nothing was too much to give when a friend was in need.

Helen was gentle and kind, but she also possessed a fire that burned brightest for those who were close to her. Sassy and spirited, her hearty laughter was so contagious that others could not help but join in. She was fierce and steadfast in protecting and supporting her children and,like the gladiolus flower, Helen was a fighter: first battling breast cancer when her children were still young, she fought the disease with all her strength and came out victorious, able to share many more years with her family, friends, and grandson.

Sadly, at the age of 59, Helens cancer returned and she succumbed to the disease on October 7, 2011 at Frederick Memorial Hospital. Helen passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones and the memories they shared together. Her family takes comfort in knowing Helen is now reunited with her beloved parents and grandparents, and in the arms of her Lord.

Ms. West is survived by her two children, Melissa and Walter, as well as their families, and by her brothers Phil, Tony, and Gene, and her sister, Donna.

The family will receive friends and loved ones from 2 to 4p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday October 12, 2011 at the Keeney & Basford Funeral Home, 106 East Church Street, Frederick, Maryland.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Helens memory to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation:

Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Attn: Donor Services

P.O. Box 650309

Dallas, TX 75265-0309

Telephone: 1.877.GO.KOMEN

(1.877.465.6636)

Website: http://ww5.komen.org/