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Helen Bickel Wolfe,79, of Westminster, wife of Rev. Charles E. Wolfe, retired Elder, died March 5, 2013, at Carroll Hospice’s Dove House in Westminster. A memorial service was held March 14 in Little Baker Chapel at McDaniel College with the Rev. David A. Highfield officiating. 

Helen Bickel was born Jan. 25, 1934, in Buffalo, NY, the daughter of the late Thomas and Helen McIntyre Bickel. She was a graduate of Buffalo State College, which honored her as a distinguished alumna. She taught 10 years in the Kenmore, New York, school district. She held a master’s degree from Cornell University and a doctorate from the State University of New York at Albany. She was a bureau chief in the New York State Education Department and then a deputy director in the governor’s office.

She and the Rev. Charles E. Wolfe married in 1968. He survives. His ministry began well after their marriage, in 1978, when he served the Shiloh-Dover Charge. In 1986, he was appointed to the Mt. Washington church in Baltimore and five years later to Liberty UMC in Libertytown. He retired in 1994.

When they moved to Washington, she became general director of the American Association of University Women. She taught education, counseling and psychology courses at McDaniel College and twice served as dean, first as associate dean for academic affairs, then of the graduate school. She was a member of Westminster UMC.

Helen Wolfe enjoyed knitting, playing bridge, travel and her minature poodles. She was president of the Woman’s Club of Westminster and was honored as Maryland Club Woman of the Year by the General Federation of Woman’s Clubs. She was also civilian advisor on education to the Commandant of the Marine Corps.

In addition to her husband, survivors include stepsons Christian Wolfe of Houston, Texas, Hawley Wolfe of Baton Rouge, La., Lewis Wolfe of Kempner, Texas, and David Wolfe of Port of Spain, Trinidad-Tobago; 13 grandchildren; and two “adoptive daughters,” Sarah Wolfe and Susan Leahy.

Condolences may be sent to Rev. Charles Wolfe, 549 Crossbridge Drive, Westminster, MD 21158-9407.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Westminster UMC, 165 East Main St., Westminster, MD 21157