Helen Marie Pontzer, 98, of Ridgway, PA, died on September 3, 2023, at Regency Oaks Assisted Living in Clearwater, FL, after a brief illness. 

She was born on December 8, 1924, the daughter of the late Florence M. Steinlehner and Clifford W. Cuneo.

Helen grew up in Kersey, PA, and was a graduate of the Kersey High School Class of 1942. She attended Grace Martin Secretarial School in Pittsburgh, PA, and was employed as an executive secretary at Alcoa Aluminum in Pittsburgh.

On June 16, 1951, she married Dr. Herbert P. Pontzer of Kersey who was attending the University of Pittsburgh Medical School. She moved to Ridgway, PA, where Dr. Pontzer established his medical practice.

Helen was an active member of the Hospital Auxiliary and worked on many causes sponsored by the Pennsylvania Medical Society. She was an active member of the Ridgway Footlighters.

Helen is survived by 1 son, Herbert Pontzer (Caroline) of Clearwater, FL, four daughters, Nancy Pontzer of Potomac, MD, Kathryn Pontzer (Edgar Rivas) of Potomac, MD, Mary Anne Pontzer of St. Paul, MN, Dr. Lizabeth Pontzer of Burlington, VT, and 1 brother, Clifford Cuneo of Rockford, MI. She was predeceased by her husband Herbert in 2005.

She is also survived by four grandchildren, Natalie Pontzer (Kyle Maurer) of Washington, DC, Krista Pontzer, New York, NY, Sam May, Philadelphia, PA, Audre May, Palo Alto, CA and 1 great-grandson, Jack Maurer, Washington, DC.

Helen enjoyed cooking, family gatherings and organizing charitable events.
Funeral and burial services for Helen Pontzer were held privately at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Kersey, PA, on September 15 th .

Donations in Helen’s memory may be made to Covenant House, the Humane Society, and Habitat for Humanity.

Krise Funeral Home Services, 130 Center Street, Ridgway, PA 15853 handled the arrangements and  online condolences may be offered to the family at www.Krisefuneralhome.com.