Daughter of Emil and Lillian Brooks Erickson. Helen is survived by two daughters,a granddaughter and stepson. Preceded in death by her first husband of twenty-eight years Sherwood W. Bedient who died 12/23/1966,her second husband of thirty-one years Ralph F. Samuelson who died 1/23/2000 and her third husband Arthur "Harold" Bessy who died 5/19/2005.

Born in Jamestown, Oct. 31, 1917, to Emil and Lillian Brooks Erickson, she grew up on Willard St. Ext., attended C E Smith School on Willard St. Ext., Jefferson Juniorr High and graduated from Falconer High School. Helen was formerly employed at W T Grant Co. and Bigleow's Department Store in the better dresses and bridal departments, and retired from Crescent Tool Company in 1974. Helen was known for being devoted to her family and for being a hard worker, a good cook and immaculate housekeeper. She was a lifelong confirmed member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, serving in the past on its Altar Guild, and was a former member of the Sunshine Society and Fellowhip Guild. She was also a former member of the Gerry Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary. She was looking forward to the birth of her first great-grandson in January. She is survived by two daughters: Gayle D. Lyon and her husband, Kenneth L. of Falconer, and Karyn E. Okerlund and her husband, Johnny L. of Sinclairville, a granddaughter, Terra L. Okerlund Devereaux and her husband, Scott K. of Jamestown, a sister, Lillian ''Lorraine'' Drake of West Ellicott, and a brother Emil ''Richard'' Erickson of Stockton. Also surviving is a stepson Brian Samuelson of Jamestown, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her first husband of 28 years ,Sherwood W. Bedient who died Dec. 23, 1966, her second husband of 31 years, Ralph F. Samuelson who died Jan. 23, 2000, and her third husband, Arthur ''Harold'' Bessey who died May 19, 2005, and a brother, George L. Erickson Sr. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Immanuel Lutheran Church. The Rev. Gregory Hager, pastor of the church, will officiate. Burial will be in Allen Cemetery. Friends will be received by the family from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today in the Falconer Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Library Fund of Immanuel Lutheran Church, 556 E. Second St., Jamestown, N.Y., 14701.