Helen Storey: A Life of Service, Strength and Family
Helen Storey’s story begins in Dover, Pennsylvania, where she was born the youngest of eight children. Growing up in a bustling household, Helen learned early the values of resilience, humility and care—qualities that would shape her life in remarkable ways.
As a young girl, Helen dreamed of becoming a nurse. In the 1940s and early 1950s, career options for women were limited, often confined to teaching, nursing or secretarial work. Helen’s heart was set on nursing, but her mother had other plans. After high school, Helen was only permitted to take the secretarial course and she graduated in 1951 without pursuing college. Still, her passion for medicine never waned, even though no one in her family had a medical background.
Determined to find a way forward, Helen learned about the Cadet Nurse Corps—a program connected to the armed services that offered training and a path into nursing. Her desire to serve her country was strong and she approached both the Air Force and the Army, hoping to enlist. When both told her that the program had been discontinued, she turned to the Navy, which welcomed her. She enrolled, completed boot camp and began her journey in nursing school. Her father signed the enlistment papers and Helen committed to four years of service.
In the Navy, Helen began working on the ward as a practical nurse (PN), assisting patients and supporting the nursing staff. Though she couldn’t dispense medications, she quickly proved herself and received training as an operating room technician. It was in the OR that she met George, a fellow tech who was immediately drawn to Helen’s kind spirit and striking hazel eyes. Their connection was instant and love blossomed amid the rigors of military life.
Helen and George married in 1953, and shortly afterward, Helen became pregnant with their son, Mitchel. Though she had only completed three of her four years of service, she transitioned to civilian life to raise her family. George was deployed to Korea, where he served in a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) unit during the height of the war. Helen, meanwhile, lived with her brother and sister-in-law in York, Pennsylvania, caring for Mitchel and awaiting George’s safe return.
When George came home in 1956, the family reunited and settled in Dover before eventually moving to Palmyra. George began a successful career as a financial advisor, and Helen focused on raising their son and supporting their growing family. Mitchel would go on to become a doctor, a proud reflection of Helen’s early dreams and lifelong interest in medicine.
In 1972, George retired, and in 2008, the couple made a life-changing decision to move to Cornwall Manor. Helen describes it as “the best move they ever made.” Both she and George became deeply involved in the community, volunteering their time and talents to enrich the lives of others. Their commitment to service didn’t end with their military careers—it became a lifelong calling.
Today, Helen is in her 90s and continues to live with grace and gratitude. She visits her sister Martha, who is 101, every Sunday in York. The two are the last remaining siblings of their family, and their bond is a testament to enduring love and shared history.
Helen beams with pride when she speaks of her family. Her son Mitchel lives in Seattle, and she is the joyful grandmother of Megan, Meredith and MacKenzie, and great-grandmother to three wonderful children—one boy and two girls. Family remains at the heart of Helen’s life, and she cherishes every moment spent with them.
For Helen, Veterans Day is more than a date on the calendar—it’s a time of deep reflection. She remembers the courage it took to enlist, the challenges she overcame, and the transformation she experienced. “I was shy when I joined the military,” she recalls. “But it taught me how to stand up for myself.” She is especially grateful that George returned safely from the Korean War and she honors all who have served and sacrificed.
Helen Storey’s life is a filled with courage, compassion and commitment. From her early dreams of nursing to her service in the Navy and her years as a devoted wife, mother and volunteer, Helen has lived with purpose and heart. Her journey reflects the strength of a woman who defied expectations, embraced service and built a life centered on love and family. After 68 years of marriage, George, the love of her life, passed away at home in March 2021. Now in her 90s, she continues to inspire those around her with her warmth, wisdom, and resilience. At Cornwall Manor, she enjoys the peace of retirement, the joy of family visits, and the comfort of community. As Veterans Day approaches, Helen reflects with gratitude—not only for her own experiences in the military, but for the safe return of her beloved George from the Korean War. Her story reminds us of the sacrifices made by so many and the enduring power of love and service.
