Obituaries

Helen L. Comins, 101

July 28, 2025

Helen L. Comins, age 101 passed away on July 28, 2025 at St. Anne’s Retirement Community. Born in Montreal, Quebec, she was the daughter of the late Hugh and Lina (Schmidt) Kierans and the beloved wife of the late Alfred W. Comins, Sr.

Helen was an active member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church, where her faith thrived. She found a welcoming community at St. Anne’s Retirement Community and was a former member of the Long Community.

Helen was an avid reader, often found lost in the pages of a good book, her love for stories reflecting her infinite curiosity about the world around her which promoted her love for traveling. Helen was also a passionate humanitarian and an avid supporter of Off the Streets, dedicating her time and energy to improve the lives of those in need. As a founding member of Birthright, now known as Woman’s Concern, she played an integral role in providing guidance and support to mothers and families.

Helen is survived by her daughters: Helen Alice Almaraz (wife of David) of Los Angeles, CA., Mary Patricia Sutton (wife of John) of Tucson, AZ., and Kathryn Anne Labosh (wife of Timothy) of Lancaster; her grandchildren: Samuel Mark Labosh and Nicholas David Labosh; her step grandchildren: John Sutton (husband of Mika) and Maurie Sutton and one step great grandchild: Lauren Sutton.

In addition to her husband and parents, Helen is preceded in death by her infant son, Alfred W. Comins, Jr. and her siblings: Eric Kierans, Hugh Kierans and Kathleen Howland.

A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 601 E Delp Rd, Lancaster, PA 17601 with interment at St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Off the Streets, https://otslancaster.org/donate/.

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Condolences to the Family

July 30, 2025

I have known Grandma Comins for 47 years. My dad married Helen Comins daughter, Mary, 46 years ago. I am the step granddaughter. Grandma Comins always impressed me. She was always happy, positive and SO intelligent. She liked to stay informed and read into deep history books that required deep thought and would share with me (took me forever to read but cherished her take on any content). For decades, she sent Smidgens every Christmas and Easter. The best individual chocolates shaped like chocolate Santa Clauses of Easter Bunnies ( I can still picture the joy of Smidgens). She loved her sweets. I am blessed to have been part of the Comins family for all of these years. I loved seeitifulng her every summer for those 20 years of beach trips. I loved her stories of her past, her cooking, afternoon tea, and enjoyed listening to her political take (not every did :). Grandma Comins was a beautiful soul full of faith. I see her loving heaven and reuniting with her beloved husband. Maurie Sutton

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