Sister Helen Urban died September 17, 2009, at Nazareth Motherhouse in Concordia, KS. She was 95 years old and a Sister of St. Joseph for 75 years. She was born in Topeka, KS on July 10, 1914, to John J. and Appolonia Urban, the first of four children, and was baptized Helen. She lived her early childhood in Pfeifer, KS. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph, Concordia, KS on February 10, 1934. On March 14, 1934, Helen received the habit of the Sisters of St. Joseph and was given the name Sister Mary Alexia. Later, she changed to her baptismal name Helen. She pronounced first vows on August 15, 1935 and final vows on August 15, 1938.

Sister Helen received a BS in education from Marymount College, Salina, KS, and an MS in education from Creighton University, Omaha, NE. She taught in elementary schools staffed by the Sisters of St. Joseph at Gorham, New Almelo, Herndon, Cawker City, Aurora, Junction City, Plainville, Manhattan, Salina, KS; in Gladstone, MI and Grand Island, NE. In 1991 she retired to Medaille Center in Salina; moving to the Motherhouse in 2002.

Sister Helen was preceded in death by her parents and her three siblings. A Bible Vigil Service will be (was) held Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the Nazareth Motherhouse Chapel with Sister Bette Moslander as the eulogist. The Mass of Christian Burial will be (was) Monday, September 21, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. in the Motherhouse Chapel with Father Frank Coady as presider. The burial will be in the Nazareth Motherhouse Cemetery. Chaput-Buoy Mortuary, 325 W. 6 ^th St., Concordia, KS is in charge of arrangements. Memorials for Sister Helen Urban may be given to the Sisters of St. Joseph Health Care/ Retirement Fund or the Apostolic Works of the Sisters; P.O Box 279, Concordia, KS 66901. Visit www.chaputbuoy.com for online condolences.