Sackets Harbor - Helen K. Kepler, 85, of 115 Washington Place, formerly of 49 Anderson Ave. Deferiet, passed away at her residence Saturday, July 27, 2013, under the care of her family and Hospice of Jefferson County.

Helen was born in Deferiet on February 27, 1928, the daughter of the late Frank and Anna Delhoney Sarama. She attended school in Deferiet and was a 1945 graduate of Augustinian Academy, Carthage. She married Louis G. Kepler on June 7, 1947 at Rita's Church in Deferiet with the Rev. Eugene Kelly officiating. Mr. Kepler died on January 5, 1994. Helen worked at the St. Regis Paper Company in the cafeteria and the laboratory and for 15 years she was a scheduler of shipping, retiring in 1990. She moved to Sackets Harbor in 2012.


Helen enjoyed doing her crossword puzzle each morning, sewing, cooking, baking, playing cards and spending time with her family and friends.

She was a member and former lector of St. Rita's Church, Past President of the Deferiet Senior Citizens, American Legion Auxiliary Post # 789, Carthage and the CAA Alumni Assoc.

Surviving are her 13 nieces and nephews, several great nieces, nephews and great great nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband, Louis G. Kepler, two sisters, Frances Chartrand and Mary Travers and an infant brother and sister, Walter and Eva Sarama.


Calling hours will be on Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at St. Rita's Church, Deferiet from 9:00am to 10:30am with the rosary being recited at 10:30am and funeral mass to follow at 11:00am with the Rev's Garvin Demarais and Michael Gaffney officiating. Burial will be in Black River Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home, Carthage.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham St., Watertown, NY 13601, or to a charity of one's choice.