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Plumb, Helen Mae
Helen Mae Plumb, 95, passed peacefully Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010, at Sedona Winds in the Village of Oak Creek. Born Helen Mae McManes on Sept. 4, 1915, in Cedar Rapids, she taught us all the meaning of a life well lived. Upon marrying Robert F. Plumb on Sept. 1, 1939, Helen embraced homemaking as her chosen profession and elevated it to an art form. She was able to make “designer suits” from pictures in magazines and skillfully knitted and crocheted as well. Upon discovering Adele Davis in the 1940s, Helen joyfully practiced healthy cooking choices for the rest of her life. Ultimately, she affectionately became known as “Grandma” when visiting The Secret Garden, the restaurant owned by daughter, Candace who shares her love of cooking!
Away from home and hearth, Helen was actively involved as a PTA officer, den mother, Blue Birds and Camp Fire Girls leader. As a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, she taught Sunday school, organized bazaars and made countless friends. Always a genuine advocate for education, Helen scrupulously maintained her active membership in PEO.
Helen and Robert discovered Sedona's irresistible appeal in 1979, during a road trip from Cedar Rapids, ultimately making it their part-time home in 1981. While able, they thoroughly enjoyed hiking, the back roads and “plinking.”Helen was such an excellent marksman, Robert nicknamed her Annie Oakley!
Predeceased by Robert after 47 years of marriage, Helen is survived by son, Robert Plumb of Iowa City; daughters, Kathlyn Mae Bramblett (Bruce) of Sedona, Ariz., and Candace Peterson (James Cecil) of Sedona, Ariz.; grandchildren, Brian (Rachel), Stacy (Chris), Dana (Bill), Jennifer, Justin, Christian, Seth and Cameron; and great-grandchildren, Madelyn, Emma, Colin, Brady and Sydney Mae.
Gone but not forgotten, Helen joins her beloved husband and will be interred in the Plumb Family crypt in the mausoleum at Cedar Memorial in Cedar Rapids. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, at The Sedona United Methodist Church, 3026 State Route 179, Sedona, Ariz.(State Route 179 and Indian Cliffs).
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to The Sedona Humane Society, Sedona United Methodist Church or PEO.
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