Helen K. Shorter

Helen K. Shorter, 88, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at Miller’s Merry Manor, Assisted Living.

She was born on October 6, 1936, in Plymouth, Indiana to Paul C. and Helen (Kelley) Hiss. She graduated from West High School with the class of 1954. Helen would go onto St. Francis University receiving her associate’s degree in music. Not one to settle, she also received her master’s degree from Indiana University South Bend in education. Helen married William Shorter on April 26, 1958, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church.

Helen loved school from a child to becoming a teacher, and she started teaching at St. Michael’s Catholic School as Miss Hiss and became the first lay teacher to work with the nuns. Helen taught 5th grade, music to all the school children and eventually became principal. One who always needed a sharp pencil that had the discipline of wonderful educator, but the nurturing gentleness of a teacher that took an interest in every one of her student’s lives.

Helen was dedicated to St. Michael’s Church, playing the organ for countless weddings and funerals, caroling and Christmas musicals to serving with the Altar Rosary Society.

She was an avid sports fan attending many activities of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her love for Notre Dame has been passed down to her family.

She is survived by her children: Becky (Jim) Wolfe, Bill (Sue) Shorter, Patty (Steve) Welch; grandchildren: Adam (Krista) Griewank, Andy (Sara) Griewank, Anne Marie Griewank, Monica (Tino) Sebastiani, Erich Shorter, Stephanie (Brendan) James and Ryan (Shelly) Welch; 11-great-grandchildren; sister Mary Ann McLochlin, Kathy (Bruce) Van Gilder.

Helen is preceded in death by her parents, husband William, brother John Hiss and sister Ann Marie Hiss.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2024, from 4-7 pm at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth. Rosary will be recited at 7 pm.

Mass of  Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 11:00 am at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 612 N. Walnut Street, Plymouth, IN 46563 with Fr. Fernando Jimenez officiating.

Burial will take place in the St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery, Plymouth.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 612 N. Walnut Street, Plymouth, IN 46563 or to St. Michael’s Catholic School, 612 N. Center St. Plymouth, IN 46563.