Helen Mae White's Obituary
Helen Mae Hartzell White was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in 1919 to Eugene and Alma Hartzell. She grew up in Roebling, New Jersey, where her father worked as a millwright for Roebling Steel. Although money was tight during the Depression, her father was fortunate to always have a few days of work each week. Many happy days were spent with her maternal grandparents, Peter and Clara Giehl, who had immigrated from Germany and operated a tourist lodging business in a nearby town.
After high school graduation Helen retuned to Allentown to seek employment and met her husband, Thomas “Whitey” White, to whom she was married for thirty-three years . Their two children, Janet and Dennis, were raised in a firm and loving household, where achievements were fostered, and where laughter was a part of every day.
Helen worked outside the home while raising her children. After working for the McCrory company for a number of years she obtained an office position at Muhlenberg College, where she became the secretary to the Associate Dean of Students. At Muhlenberg she developed many friendships which continued even after she retired.
In retirement she enjoyed her card club and her handicrafts, but her greatest enjoyment came from time with her family and vacations they took together. She was also a lifetime member of Zion Reformed Church in Allentown and participated each year in the holiday bazaar. She was a devoted Nana to her grandson, Brendan.
After more than fifty years in the family home in Allentown, Helen moved to Maryland where she made many friends, first as a resident of Victoria Park in Edgewater, and finally at Regency Park in Gambrills.
Helen was a loving and strong person. She tirelessly supported her family. She spoke her mind, and her advice was always worthwhile. Her spunky nature and sense of humor endeared her to those who knew her.
She is loved and missed.
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