Helen Garlington 94 of 1501 Evans St. Newberry died Thursday March 29 2012 at her residence. Graveside funeral services were conducted at 11:00 am on Saturday April 7 2012 in Rosemont Cemetery by the Rev. John Weaver. Born May 25 1917 in Polk County Florida she was a daughter of the late William Meridith and Allie Tunnah Garlington. Helen was a graduate of Northwestern University received a Master of Music from the University of Michigan and a Master of Piano from the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago. She enlisted with the American National Red Cross in 1943 and served in England France and Belgium from February 16 1944 until October 1 1945. She landed on Utah beach after D-Day. Following her work in Normandy she was assigned to Antwerp serving there during the German bombing of the city. Helen received three battle stars for her work during those times. She also received a commemoration medal from the Regional Council of Normandy and her name was inscribed on the Wall of Liberty in Normandy dedicated to the courageous Americans whose sacrifice and commitment led to the liberation of Europe. After the war Helen spent two and a half years in Panamas Canal Zone setting up a music program. She later returned to Michigan where she taught music drama and English at Ecourse High School. During her 35 years as a choral and theater director she used her love of the arts to unite people from all backgrounds. Her memberships include the Jasper Chapter of the DAR Alumni Association of the University of Michigan the Smithsonian Associates the P.E.O. International Sisterhood the Newberry Book Club Fine Arts Club of Newberry Creative Arts Club of Newberry and Sigma Alpha Iota Fraternity. In 1984 Helen moved to Newberry SC where she was very active with the Newberry Community Theatre. She was a frequent speaker in the schools sharing her World War II experiences and in 2007 was featured in the January/February issue of the Newberry magazine. She was a devoted Christian Scientist. Helen is survived by a niece Kathleen Krieg Huskey of Illinois; a nephew William Krieg and wife Linda of Virginia and their children Danielle Krieg and Joshua and Corianne Huskey; and a cousin Octavia Garlington. In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her sister Sena Garlington Krieg. Memorials are suggested to the American Red Cross 2751 Bull St. Columbia SC 29201. On line condolences may be sent to the family at www.whitakerfuneralhome.com. Whitaker Funeral Home of Newberry is assisting the family.