Helen Miller Hornbeck, 99, of Somers, NY, formerly of Bellefonte and State College, died August 23, 2012, in New York; following complications of a stroke and heart failure. The past six years of her life were spent battling dementia.

She was born July 24, 1913, in Bellefonte into a family of nine, and raised in State College, the daughter of the late Francis and Maude Kimport Miller.

Helen graduated from State College High School and Penn State University; where she met her future husband James S. Hornbeck of Greenville, PA, a 1931 architectural graduate, whom she married after graduation.

They moved to Jackson Heights, Queens, NYC about 1935. In 1943 her son Geoffrey was born. She was a homemaker, and began a sales career with The Beauty Counselor Company in 1945. Helen and her family then moved to Rye, NY in 1951. While living in Rye, her daughter Christina was born in 1952. In1955 they moved to Darien, Ct., where she lived for the 35 years. She had many friends and lovingly raised her two children. Her life was devoted to her children and family.

She resumed her retail career in the late 60's, working at Lord and Taylor's Dress Salon where she was named Salesperson of the Year, in 1970. She later worked in the Darien Sport Shop in Darien, CT. Mrs. Hornbeck had great instincts in art and design. Her instincts, her upbeat personality, and always looking for the positives in people and situations, contributed to her sales success.

Helen retired in 1988, then, in 1990, moved to Heritage Hills in Somers, NY, where she lived in her tastefully decorated condominium for the next 22 years.

Surviving Mrs. Hornbeck is one son, Geoffrey Hornbeck of Greenwich, CT, four grandchildren, James Hornbeck, Caroline Hornbeck, and Ruth and Matthew Reader, and a sister Myra Belle Miller of State College.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a. m., Thursday, April 25, 2013, at Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Service, 1034, Benner Pike, State College. Burial will be in Centre County Memorial Park, State College.

A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at wwwheintzelmanfuneralhome.com.