Helen (Hoffman) Beck
Helen Beck Obituary
Mrs. Helen J. (Hoffman) Beck, 88, died June 6, 2021, in her home after a long and happy life.
Helen was born at home on Blue Mountain on the family farm in Andreas.
They raised goats and somehow at every telling, there were 97, no more, no less!
She was the daughter of Silas Albert Hoffman and Irene Millicent Rex.
Helen and her sisters were known to many as Siley Hoffman's little goat girls, a fact that spawned many stories over the years. She spent her first eight years of school in the Stone Mountain one-room schoolhouse. At 13, after the death of her father, she had to leave school to go to work. She held different farm jobs and eventually worked at both Baer Silk Mill and the Atlas Powder Company.
Helen was the wife of the late William P. Beck, who died in 1994. She reminded us recently that they would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on June 2.
Helen was of Christian faith and believed in and found God everywhere, especially in her garden and among nature. She was known for being feisty with a wry sense of humor. She adored the color purple which could be seen by her clothing and any other material object she could find in that color.
Helen was a wonderful gardener with an impressive green thumb who could make anything grow. She was a great animal lover, always rescuing hurt, sick or abandoned animals and nursing them back to health.
Helen was fiercely independent and up until just a few years ago could be seen in her yard wielding her chainsaw while working from sun up to sundown. She will be missed by many, including her many cat friends who shared her life and brought her immense joy!
She was preceded in death by a son, William S. Beck, in 2002.
Helen was the last of the seven Hoffman siblings. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Ruth Tringone and Bertha Hoffman; and four brothers, James Hoffman, John Hoffman, Paul Hoffman and Jacob Hoffman.
She is survived by a son, Michael P. Beck (Brenda); and a daughter, Ann Hartman (William Nonweiler). She was an amazing grandmother to 12 grandchildren: Donald Hartman, Jill Pereira, Charles Hartman, William Nonweiler, Justin Nonweiler, Samantha Amorim, Melissa Miller, Jenni Hoffman, Michael Beck, Heather Pastier and Kim Semmel and their spouses.
Helen felt blessed to also have 34 great grandchildren whom she loved very much. While she didn't get to see them all often, she remembered each of their birthdays and loved seeing pictures sent or posted by their parents.
Helen is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Constance Hoffman of Andreas and Helen Hoffman in Florida.
She was also preceded in death by her sister-in-law and very best friend, Bernadine Stoll (2011).
She also is survived by many other friends and family who brought care and love to her through visits, vegetables and flowers, namely Helen Stuart, Sweetie Ferryman and Susie and Johanna Poncavage.
Service: Helen lived a very quiet and humble life, never asking for special attention, and, in death, she has requested no services. The Ovsak Funeral Home, Lehighton, is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her name may be made to a local animal shelter or to the Lehighton Fire Co., both of which were close to her heart.
BECK, Mrs. Helen J. (Hoffman), 88, June 6, 2021; widow of William P. Beck. Helen lived a very quiet and humble life, never asking for special attention, and, in death, she has requested no services. The Ovsak Funeral Home, Lehighton, is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her name may be made to a local animal shelter or to the Lehighton Fire Co., both of which were close to her heart.
From: Ovsak Funeral Home
Sent: Monday, June 07, 2021 6:56 PM
To: O'Gurek, Bill
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