Obituary for Catherine Helmick Fortier
Catherine Helmick Fortier passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Sunday April 24th
after a brief illness. Katie was born in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania on December 26, 1944 to John and
Genevieve Helmick. She was a spirited woman who led a tireless life of service to her family, church
community, and patients. Katie met her husband Bob on a blind date and last year they celebrated
their 55th wedding anniversary. Always selfless, Katie continually gave of her time, energy and most
importantly, she gave her love to everyone she encountered.
Katie recognized her calling to become a nurse early in life. After graduating from Fitzgerald Mercy
Hospital Nursing School in 1965, Katie was a registered nurse at Kent General Hospital for more than 30
years spending the majority of those years working in the PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit). Many
former patients commented on how reassuring it was to see her smiling face after coming out of the
operating room.
For more than 50 years, Katie was a faithful member of the church community at Holy Cross in Dover,
Delaware, where she devoted herself to serving the parish but more importantly acting as an example of
Christian faith and love to everyone she met. Katie led, or otherwise contributed to countless
committees, prayer groups, Cursillo retreats and subsequent reunions and other community events and
activities.
Katie never met a holiday she did not love which allowed her to display her love of flags, crafts and other
decorations. She enjoyed cooking and entertaining family and friends in her home. Christmas was always
a highlight of the year for Katie, as it was another opportunity to give of herself. She always found the
perfect gifts to bring a smile to family and friends alike.
Katie and her husband Bob loved to travel and experience the different cultures of the world. Together
their cruising adventures have taken them around the globe. Most of all, Katie enjoyed spending time
with her family and especially her nine grandchildren who adored her.
Forever devoted to her family, Katie is survived by her husband of 55 years, Robert Fortier; son Matthew
Fortier (Laura); two daughters Teri Ball (Ralph) and Anne Ochs (Bryan); her nine grandchildren and her
brother Michael Helmick (Carol) along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered 12PM, Friday, April 29, 2022 at The Church of the Holy Cross, 631 S. State St., Dover, DE 19901. Visitation will be held 6-8PM, Thursday, April 28, 2022 at The Funeral Home of Michael J. Ambruso, 1175 S. State St., Dover, DE 19901. Entombment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Dover, DE.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to
Catholic Relief Services or the American Heart Association. Condolences may be made via www.ambruso.com.
after a brief illness. Katie was born in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania on December 26, 1944 to John and
Genevieve Helmick. She was a spirited woman who led a tireless life of service to her family, church
community, and patients. Katie met her husband Bob on a blind date and last year they celebrated
their 55th wedding anniversary. Always selfless, Katie continually gave of her time, energy and most
importantly, she gave her love to everyone she encountered.
Katie recognized her calling to become a nurse early in life. After graduating from Fitzgerald Mercy
Hospital Nursing School in 1965, Katie was a registered nurse at Kent General Hospital for more than 30
years spending the majority of those years working in the PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit). Many
former patients commented on how reassuring it was to see her smiling face after coming out of the
operating room.
For more than 50 years, Katie was a faithful member of the church community at Holy Cross in Dover,
Delaware, where she devoted herself to serving the parish but more importantly acting as an example of
Christian faith and love to everyone she met. Katie led, or otherwise contributed to countless
committees, prayer groups, Cursillo retreats and subsequent reunions and other community events and
activities.
Katie never met a holiday she did not love which allowed her to display her love of flags, crafts and other
decorations. She enjoyed cooking and entertaining family and friends in her home. Christmas was always
a highlight of the year for Katie, as it was another opportunity to give of herself. She always found the
perfect gifts to bring a smile to family and friends alike.
Katie and her husband Bob loved to travel and experience the different cultures of the world. Together
their cruising adventures have taken them around the globe. Most of all, Katie enjoyed spending time
with her family and especially her nine grandchildren who adored her.
Forever devoted to her family, Katie is survived by her husband of 55 years, Robert Fortier; son Matthew
Fortier (Laura); two daughters Teri Ball (Ralph) and Anne Ochs (Bryan); her nine grandchildren and her
brother Michael Helmick (Carol) along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered 12PM, Friday, April 29, 2022 at The Church of the Holy Cross, 631 S. State St., Dover, DE 19901. Visitation will be held 6-8PM, Thursday, April 28, 2022 at The Funeral Home of Michael J. Ambruso, 1175 S. State St., Dover, DE 19901. Entombment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Dover, DE.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to
Catholic Relief Services or the American Heart Association. Condolences may be made via www.ambruso.com.