Helen E. Ganter, 86, of Sebastian, passed away on Aug. 31, 2015, at Palm Garden Nursing Home of Vero Beach where she resided since June 2015.
She is survived by her two daughters, Patricia A. Haire, of Fort Lauderdale, and Marjorie L. Anderson, Sebastian; her three sons, Gregory G. Ganter, Sebastian, Eugene R. Ganter, Dothan, Ala., and Thomas M. Ganter of Sebastian; six grandsons and one great-granddaughter.
Born March 7, 1929, in Reading, PA, she was the only child of the late Anthony and Hattie (Brdak) Zalegowski. Helen graduated from Central Catholic High School, Reading, in 1947.
She was the wife of Gerard (Jerry) P. Ganter who passed away May 19, 2008, at Palm Garden. They were married September 27, 1947, in St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Reading.
She and Jerry relocated their family of five children in 1955 to Fort Lauderdale. When all the children had left home they moved to Georgia, then Alabama, and finally relocating to Sebastian in 1980.
During her children’s early school years in Fort Lauderdale, she was active in St. Clement’s Catholic School affairs including being President of the Alter and Rosary Society. She had superb crafting skills and was an avid bowler winning many tournaments.
Ganter played the accordion as a young girl and was an accomplished organist. She mastered all she did. Polka was her favorite dance. She took great pride in her appearance and that of her family, always making sure that everyone always looked their best.
She began her volunteer work at the Sebastian River Medical Center as a messenger in 1983. From those humble beginnings she became president of the Auxiliary (1991-1996 and 1999) and manager-buyer of the Auxiliary Gift Gallery. Ganter also served as Vice-President of the Auxiliary.
She was a compassionate individual with great communications and leadership skills. “This is my work”, she would say, “This is what I love to do. It’s part of my life,” often adding, “If I can get one patient to smile that day, especially if they wouldn’t have otherwise, I have accomplished something.”
Ganter left the Auxiliary in April, 2005, with 29,500 volunteer hours to devote herself to caring for her husband. Her devotion was unwavering, always putting the needs of others before her own in every aspect of her life. People were drawn to her, and her friendships lasted a lifetime.
She was a member of St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church.
Helen has proven herself to be a courageous, dedicated and loving lady to all those in her life. As she would say to us, we now say to her…May God bless you and may all the angels watch over you.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Sept. 12, 2015, 11 a.m., in St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 13075 U.S. Hwy 1, Sebastian, FL., 32958. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Sebastian Catholic Church Parishioner Outreach Fund. Online condolence guest book available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.