Lelia R. Sanzenbacher

Lelia Rae Hood Helman Sanzenbacher, 100, passed away Sunday, November 25th, 2018 at Park Vista, one week shy of her 101st birthday. She was born December 2nd, 1917 in Ohltown, Ohio, and was the daughter of the late Lee and Irene Hood. She resided in Canfield, Ohio for most of her life. Lelia was a graduate of Canfield High School and Youngstown State University. She spent her career as a teacher beginning in 1938 at the Union/Red Brick School in Canfield, and retired from the Austintown Public Schools in 1976 where she had taught for 30 years, mostly as a 5th grade teacher at Austintown Middle School. She loved children and the teaching profession and kept in touch with several former students. She also enjoyed baking, playing games and cards, and was very competitive. She was devoted to her family and loved spending time with her grandchildren and later her great grandchildren and beloved nieces and nephews. Lelia was a member of Ohltown United Methodist Church and a founding member of the annual Hood Family Reunion, which just celebrated its 72nd year. Last year, on her 100th birthday, the family honored her at the reunion, with over 80 family members in attendance. Lelia will be remembered with love by her son, Kevin (Estelle), 5 grandsons; Gregg (Michelle), Brett (Chealsea) and Clintt (Anne) Cobb; Geoff (Pamela) and Brad (Jamee) Sanzenbacher and 4 great granddaughters and 1 great grandson; Peyton and Quinn (Gregg), Hailee (Brett) and Ryan and Reese (Clintt); nieces Cindy Hood McPhee and Tamara Hood Merando and many friends and family members who spent time with her at Park Vista. The family would like to extend thanks to the staff at Park Vista and family and friends for their kindness and care of Lelia. Lelia was predeceased by first husband Harry Helman who passed away in 1946; her second husband Otto, whom she married in 1952 and who passed away in 2002; her daughter Carol who passed away in 2007; her twin brother Lyle and brothers Wilbert ("Bunny"), and Vernon. A memorial service will be held at Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel, 5797 Mahoning Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio on Saturday December 1st, at 11:00am, with visitation beginning at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to Ohltown United Methodist Church, 2001 Ohltown Rd., Mineral Ridge, OH 44440.