Helen Juanita Westermann (née Gaskill)

Helen Juanita Westermann (née Gaskill)

Helen Westermann, 96, passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026 at her home in Rock Hill, South Carolina surrounded by her loving family. Helen was born October 13,1929 to Harry N. Gaskill and Helen Dunham Gaskill.

Helen married John Westermann on September 3, 1949. She would reminisce about their courtship filled with dancing and simple pleasures such as sharing a Coca Cola. Helen raised her three children, Linda, Jan, and Kirk, in the Cincinnati area. Helen had a successful career in the retail industry, working in fashion and beauty at Shillito’s Department Store, managing the Russell Stover Candies store at Northgate Mall and later owning her own clothing store in Colerain. She also gave back to the community by volunteering for Hospice of Cincinnati. 

Upon retirement, Helen and John moved to Florida. She enjoyed traveling, golf, and was renowned for her excellent bridge playing skills. Following her husband’s death, Helen relocated to Rock Hill to be nearer to her children and grandchildren. 

In recent years, Helen’s greatest joy was when her family was gathered together. She regularly enjoyed her evening ice cream accompanied by a good BBC series. Most of all, Helen was known to all to be a gracious, kind, and caring person. She balanced these traits with strength and determination. We are very blessed to have had Helen in our lives. 

Helen is survived by her children Linda Westermann Heustess (John) of Rock Hill and Kirk Westermann (Laura) of Belmont, NC; grandchildren Ryan Westermann (Amber), Kara Westermann Mott (Jamie), Patrick Rheault, and Emily Rheault; siblings Barbara Leimgruber and H. Pete Gaskill. She was preceded in death by her husband John R. Westermann and daughter Janice L. Stewart. 

The family will have a private celebration of life for Helen in Cincinnati at a later date.