Helen D Lapuma

Memorial Services for Helen D. LaPuma will be held on Monday, August 24, 2015 at 2:30 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, Nebraska with Father Thomas Lux officiating.  A private family inurnment will be held at Prairie Home Cemetery in Holdrege prior to the services.

Helen Darlene LaPuma, 76 years of age, of Alma, Nebraska (formerly of Holdrege), passed away on Thursday, August 20, 2015 at the Good Samaritan Society - Colonial Villa in Alma.  Helen was born February 13, 1939 in Chicago Illinois, the third of five children born to Howard and Lois (Ellerbusch) Hupert.  She received her education from Steinmetz High School in Chicago, where she graduated top of her class in 1957.

On May 9, 1959, she was united in marriage to Joseph Vincent LaPuma at the Cook County Court House in Chicago.  To this union seven children were born:  Lois, Renee, Sherri, Sam, Howard, Cynthia and Joanne. The family made their home in Lombard, Illinois, where Helen focused her efforts on being a mother and homemaker when the children were young.  She was devoted to her Catholic faith and active in her church. Her family was always foremost in her life.  She especially loved the time spent with her grandchildren.  She enjoyed reading and doing crossword puzzles.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents and her older sister, Jeanette Kremski.

Helen leaves to celebrate her life her husband of 59 years, Joseph LaPuma of the Colonial Villa in Alma; two sons: Saverino LaPuma and his wife, Kris of Minden, Nebraska, Howard LaPuma and his wife, Julie of Auburn, Washington; five daughters: Lois Rouhas and her husband, Dennis of Villa Park, Illinois, Renee Sell and her husband, Tim of Holdrege, Sherri Emmert and her husband, Christopher of Bumpass, Virginia, Cynthia Taylor and her husband, Glen of Henderson, Colorado, Joanne Weaver and her husband, Patrick of Ormond Beach, Florida; 19 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; two sisters; one brother; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The family wishes to thank all of those who cared for her during her last days.

There will be no visitation, or memorial book signing as the family is honoring Helen's wish for cremation.

A memorial has been established in Helen's honor and will be designated at a later date.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.