Helen L. Burrer

Sisters, Brother, Nieces, Nephews, Son-in -law, Daughter-in law, Grandson, Brothers-in-law, Sisters-in-law, Cousins, Grand nieces, Grand nephews, Great grand nieces, Great grand nephews, other family and friends, it is with great sadness that we report the passing of a True, Faithful, and Gentle Servant of God. Helen L. Burrer passed from us to our Lord today Sunday May 20, 2018 around 5:30 pm at St. Jude Medical Center, Fullerton, CA. She had fought the fight against breast cancer over time twice before and was in remission that allowed her to enjoy her family in many locations around the country and see God's creation in its Splendor in many places around our planet. She was a caregiver throughout her life as a Registered Nurse for well beyond 50 years. In that capacity she touched and aided thousands of patients including her future husband Glenn E. Burrer that she met in the Cleveland Veterans Administration Hospital. They were married August 16, 1958, moved to California, and established their home and raised a family of two children, Diane and Robert. Most of that time was in Yorba Linda where they resided for over 40 years. They all enjoyed that home and time at a second home on the Colorado River in Parker, Arizona. It was there he would tirelessly drive the boat and teach anyone in the family how to water-ski including Helen and many nieces and nephews. Born in Jenner, Pennsylvania, Helen was one of eleven children, and Glenn had a large family as well. Originally from Ohio, his family moved to California so there were many family members to share their time and love with as time progressed. If you did not know the family over the long term, Glenn was injured in the US Air Force and was rendered to a state of paralysis that would cause most to give up. Can't was not in his lexicon, and he studied, worked hard, and rose to be the Chief of Prosthetics at the Long Beach Veterans Hospital. Unfortunately he died in 1995. Daughter Diane married Mr. Timothy Wietor and in 1990 son Ryann Wietor was born. They have been close to Helen as they have lived in nearby Placentia, and have been very helpful to Helen. Diane died in March 2011. Son Rob lives in Parker, Arizona with his wife Kristin. Helen had a close circle of friends first from her Parrish and then from other groups. She was a member of the Legion of Mary, Wings, Cursillo, and a Eucharistic Minister for the Homebound at St. Martin de Pores parish in Yorba Linda. She met many wonderful people at various community activities including dance classes. There she met Richard Lawler a widower who enjoyed being with Helen and similar activities. They were married in March 2007 and Joetta and I were privileged to be their witnesses. They traveled together and went to many Svach family reunions every two years mostly back east. They had great years together until his death in February 2013. Recently, Helen's cancer re-emerged in a virulent manner and she began the fight again but was overtaken by its potency. Although radiation treatment was accomplished, during the rest period, pneumonia returned and she was hospitalized May 7th. She was admitted to the CCU unit and placed on a ventilator on the 9th where amazing medical professionals including fantastic nurses cared for her. It was her directive that after a determined period she would come off the ventilator and let nature take its course. This occurred in the afternoon of Sunday May 20th. Helen was referred to as The Energizer Bunny by many in the family and also the" Angel." For almost 86 years she lived that role to the fullest. She was surrounded Sunday day by son Robert and his wife Kristin Burrer, Grandson Ryann and son-in-law Tim Wietor, sister Joetta Seymour and her husband Ray, friends Peggy Squires and her son Patrick, Anna Wohrman and neighbor Virginia Bridges. Helen was treated with great dignity and love by all the staff but on this day two angels carried us all through this and they were Lettie and Jennifer. In addition to Joetta, Helen has an older sister Ann Haynes, and a younger brother Michael Svach. They both reside in the Cleveland Ohio area. She still has sisters and brothers in law on the Burrer family side and numerous nieces and nephews and their descendants from both families. The funeral is Thursday May 31, 2018 at Saint Martin de Porres Catholic Church, 19767 Yorba Linda Blvd, Yorba Linda, CA  at 10:00 AM preceded by A Rosary at 09:30 AM. Following the service all present are invited to a Reception in the Church Hall. At 1:00 PM we will leave for Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, 7845 Santiago Canyon Rd, Orange, CA 92869 for final internment. Our Lord has called a Good and Faithful Servant to her Heavenly Home.