Helen Grace Hankla Bridgett

Helen Grace Hankla Bridgett, 86, of Lynchburg departed this life peacefully at Westminster Canterbury surrounded by family on Monday, June 23, 2014. Helen was born October 16, 1927 in Marion, Virginia. She was a daughter of John Banner Hankla and Stella Wolfe Hankla. Helen was also preceded in death by her husband, Patrick Henry Bridgett, her twin sister, Marion Hankla Teaster, and her eldest sister, Ruth Hankla Jones. She is survived by her only child, Britta Leigh Bridgett Boyle, her son-in-law, Edward Francis Boyle, Jr., her granddaughter Annabella Maria Boyle and her grandson Bryce Edward Boyle.

 

Helen was a member of Madison Heights Baptist Church for years but she enjoyed attending a variety of Christian churches with friends. She worked over forty years as a dental assistant at Central Virginia Training Center. After “retirement”, Helen became a personal in-home caregiver for those in need. She spent many wonderful years in her “house on the hill” overlooking the James River. Helen took pleasure in gardening and delighted in spending time with her dear friend, Mr. Bill Layne, whom she loved. She also had many fun-filled adventures with her life-long friend, Mrs. Martha Stimpson.

 

Her daughter, Britta, wants to especially thank the staff at Westminster Canterbury in Memory Support and Healthcare. There is no doubt that Helen’s quality of life was exceptional. The love and care she received at Westminster Canterbury gave her years of great joy and peace. Per Helen’s written request, there will be no public funeral service as she believed that flowers and visits were for the living. So instead, relax in the sun, work in the garden, or simply take a walk along the beach and think of her. Helen will be interred at Fort Hill Memorial Park in the Garden of Crucifixion.

 

Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Lynchburg (434-237-9424) is assisting the family.