Helen J "Smiley" Shannon

Helen J. Shannon, 92, of Altoona, passed away Friday evening at her residence surrounded by her family. She was born in Altoona, the daughter of the late Herbert J. and Marian C. (Koons) Walker.

She married Richard P. Shannon on Jan. 15, 1953, in Winchester, Va. He preceded her in death on Sept. 7, 2022.

Helen is survived by three daughters: Marilyn (John) Kutz, Christina (Dave) Hite and Linda (Jack) Foust; grandchildren: Jamie (Zach) Roberts, David (Londa) Hite, Jack (Kelly) Foust Jr. and William (Sarah) Foust; great-grandchildren: Destiny, Desiree and Jayden Roberts; David E., Joseph and Luke Hite; Tenley and Everley Foust.

Helen is survived by a sister, Joyce Goss; many nieces and nephews; and sisters-in-law: Ann Anspach, Dottie Bittner and Helen Kibler.

She was preceded in death by her brothers: Kenneth, Richard, Herbert, Charles, Arthur and James; an infant, David; a sister, Marian Ruth Wilson; and great-grandchild, Faith Hite.

Helen was a 1952 graduate of Altoona High School.

During her long life she enjoyed roller skating, ice skating, taking rides, seeing covered bridges and watching fireworks. Helen enjoyed sitting around the pool with family, playing cards and putting puzzles together. She also enjoyed sewing and crocheting beautiful afghans. Spending time with family and friends brought her great joy.

Helen was a talented homemaker, cooking and baking were her specialties. She spent countless hours outside tending her flower and vegetable gardens and keeping up with yard work. She enjoyed music, especially Christian music, and attended many hymn sings and other musical events.

She was a Christian woman who loved the Lord and lived a Godly life.

Helen attended and participated in Brethren church events over the years. She read her bible daily and was very proud of reading the entire bible several times.

She had a genuine love for her family, friends and neighbors. Helen was known for her loving, pleasant, kind nature and her sincere beautiful smiles. “Smiley” got to be a nickname.

She was a strong woman all of her life. Helen will be sadly missed and happily remembered.

Friends will be received from 4 until the 7 p.m. funeral service today, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, at Stanley J. Krish Funeral Home Inc., 1204 17th St., Altoona, by Pastor Keith Showalter.

Private family committal on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026, at Carson Valley Cemetery with Pastor Tim from UPMC Family Hospice.