Savage (Grenek), Helen Frances Age 101, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2020. She entered this world during the pandemic of 1918 and quietly left it on a trail of tears and love from her family during the 2020 pandemic. Preceded in death by her parents, six siblings and her grandson. Survived by her brother William; her children, Mike (Joanne), Pat (Joyce), Mary Jo Haverty, Jim (Jill), Peggy (Larry) Moon, Chris (Jim) Soldin; 12 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews. Helen was the eldest of 8 children. She graduated from South High School where she was a star athlete and student. She was a survivor as a single parent of six children in the 50's; a time in which this role was least understood or supported by society and her Catholic Church community. She fervently worked to maintain a safe, loving home for her family. She worked 30 years in the printing industry. She fought for her right to become the first female Apprentice Journeyman in her company; a position with higher pay & benefits formerly reserved only for men. She weathered a hostile work environment as she filed a discrimination claim through the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission. She won her case. Later, her company named her Employee of the Month. She was quoted saying "Some men felt their masculinity was threatened, but there should be no difference between men's & women's work" and that her effort "made a chink in the armor of the system, but it will take time for women to be allowed to take the responsibility they are capable of." As a pioneer for women's rights her children learned the importance of standing up for their beliefs, even in the face of tough obstacles. Let it be said without reservation the love of her family was her best creation. Her final years were spent in Raleigh, NC in the loving care of family. Memorials preferred to transitionslifecare.org/donate/learn-more/ . A private celebration of her life will be held at a later date.