Helen Catherine Wald

WALD, Helen Catherine "Cappy" (nee Herbert), age 97, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on January 12, 1928, to Helen (Heeney) and Edward Herbert, she was the youngest of three siblings. After the loss of both her parents in infancy, she was raised by her maternal grandparents, Lucy and Richard Heeney, residing on Rosemont Avenue in West Price Hill. Helen was naturally inquisitive and possessed a love of learning—constantly engaged with life and those around her. Throughout her life, she sought opportunities for personal enrichment through education and the pursuit of knowledge. As a sophomore in high school, she left school to help provide for her family, starting a job with the General Foods Corporation in downtown Cincinnati. In her late 20's she married her great love and soulmate, Chuck Wald, and they adopted a son, Dave. While raising her son, she also cared for her aging grandmother in her final years. This is a time she described as the happiest in her life. Helen also helped to manage her husband’s photography studio; a thriving business located in Clifton. There she enjoyed engaging in conversation with customers and their families. Her husband piloted a small aircraft, and they enjoyed excursions to Michigan and Florida, spending many happy moments together. Prior to Chuck's passing in 1978, she joined the staff at the University of Cincinnati, retiring in 1994, after working there more than 20 years.

Helen was actively involved in her Parish and in charitable work. She volunteered for many hours for the Cincinnati Women's Shelter helping those affected by domestic violence. She also completed a certificate in Lay Pastoral Ministry through the Athenaeum of Ohio, a program sponsored by the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. She was a highly valued member of the Ministry for the Widowed, Separated, and Divorced— an Archdiocesan grief resolution program. She was fond of the arts; loved watching films; and enjoyed sharing meals with friends and family. Her home was her sanctuary, a peaceful retreat where she welcomed the company of those close to her. Filled with good humor and fun, Helen was an optimist. She looked for the best in others. Her friendship was steadfast. She was fond of animals, especially her dogs Joy and Sally, and was a dedicated and loyal friend. A remarkable person embraced by all who met her, Helen lived a life of compassion, devoted to friends and family. These are the hallmarks of a life well lived. She will be terribly missed.

Helen is preceded in death by her husband Charles F. Wald; son, David A. Wald; siblings Margaret (Herbert) Lang and Richard “Pete” Herbert; special friend Robert Maxwell and his sister June Maxwell; and her beloved niece Kathy Lang Albright and nephew Richard D. Lang. She is survived by many devoted friends– including her best friend of over 80 years, Shirley Holtgrewe- along with her nephew-in-law, Robert L. Albright, and other extended family.

A blessing service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on April 12, 2025, in the Chapel at Old St. Joseph Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent at www.bjmeyer.com