Helen Marguerite Strohm

Helen Marguerite Strohm (Fernsler), 97, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Friday, October 27, 2023 at the Wellspan Good Samaritan Hospital. She was born November 5, 1925 in Lebanon to the late Belva (Bressler) and John Fernsler. Helen was a 1943 graduate of Lebanon High School where she was the Associate Editor of ‘The Lodestone’ yearbook and played the oboe in the marching band. In 1954, she helped found the family-owned Strohm’s plumbing and heating business where she worked full and part-time as Secretary/Treasurer throughout the years, retiring in 2004 at the age of 79. For over 50 years, Helen and her friends spent their summers at The Valley Beach Club playing card games under their favorite umbrella; she served as Treasurer for the Club for 10 years. In 1957, Helen helped start ‘Holiday for Homemakers’ at the YMCA, a weekly group for women to connect, swim, and play games; she served as the Volunteer Coordinator for nearly 25 years. Out of that grew trips to Broadway and travel all over the U.S. In 1940, she became a Sunday School Teacher at St. Mark’s UCC, later becoming the Superintendent of the Nursey Department for forty years. Throughout her life, she held other roles at the church, serving as both a Deacon and an Elder for Consistory. She loved attending the Cedar Crest boys’ and girls’ home basketball games, and had a dedicated spot on the bleachers. She also enjoyed sending greeting cards to her friends and family members to keep in touch. Helen will be remembered as a lover of all card games (as long as you followed the rules!), cheering on the Phillies, and watching game shows – she had a special affinity for ‘The Price is Right.’ She is survived by three children, Nancy J. Strohm (Chris Taylor) and Thomas R. Strohm (Lisa), Lebanon, and George R. Strohm, Jamaica; four grandchildren Bobby Angelo (Lauren), and Lindsey Reynolds (Jay), Jackie Strohm (Tim Klahr), and Kristen Strohm; three great grandchildren, Tyler and Kyla Angelo, and Jordan Reynolds. She is also survived by her brother, John R. Fernsler, Lebanon. Helen’s life will be celebrated by family and friends at St. Mark's UCC, 8th and Mifflin Streets, Lebanon on Friday, November 3 at 3:30 p.m. Friends and family will be received following the service. A private burial will take place at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to St. Marks UCC, Friendship Fire Company, or the Lebanon YMCA.

Helen Marguerite Strohm

November 5, 1925 - October 27, 2023