Helen Patricia Critser

Helen Patricia Critser, age 92 years, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2022, at Riverside 

Hospital, surrounded by her family. Helen was one of five children born to John J. Gaylord and Theresa Bevilacqua Gaylord in Steubenville, OH, where she spent her formative years. She attended St. Anthony Grade School and Catholic Central High School in Steubenville. As a young woman, Helen worked in The Hub Department Store and the payroll office of Weirton Steel.  

On October 22, 1953, she married John Critser, also of Steubenville. John was a Captain and navigator in the Air Force, and over the next nine years, they moved to various assignments around the country. They had three sons: John, David, and Thomas, during these years. After her husband’s death in service to his country in 1962, Helen moved with her children to Columbus to be near her family. She was a member of St. Agatha parish for 60 years. Helen worked in several of the businesses run by her family, including the Little Professor Book Centers, The Cookstore, and The Bath Shop––all in Upper Arlington. 

Helen had a passion for gardening, bird watching, and all things Italian. She was known in her neighborhood for her beautiful, award-winning rock garden, which she maintained for years. She enjoyed regular family gatherings and holiday celebrations and established many family traditions still carried on by her children and grandchildren today. 

Helen spent her later years telling stories of her delightful childhood growing up in an Italian neighborhood in Steubenville, her wonderful married years, and the love and support she received from family and friends after coming to Columbus. She left all who knew her with an admiration of her unique spirit. 

Helen is preceded in death by her husband John, her parents John and Theresa Gaylord, sister 

Mary Torchio, and brother George Gaylord. She is survived by her sons John (Jackie) Critser, David (Maureen) Critser, and Thomas (Juli) Critser, as well as five grandchildren , two great-grandchildren, sisters Isabel Taglione and Lorraine Buehler, plus many beloved nieces and nephews.  

Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00a.m. SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 2022, at St. Agatha Catholic Church, 1860 Northam Road Columbus, OH, 43221, with friends received one hour before Mass in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org. 

Please visit www.tiddfuneralservice.com to share your favorite memories and to send your condolences to the Critser Family