Helen Doyle

Helen "Fran" Doyle, 79, of Bethlehem, died on January 13, 2017. Born in Easton, she was the daughter of the late Helen Sarah McNicholas Wilson and George Joseph Wilson Sr. A top real estate sales agent, broker and associate broker, Fran worked in real estate for over 30 years. She was instructor and mentor to many; and a community leader. Fran won multiple awards for performance in the field of real estate and was involved and supported various community groups. Fran owned and operated Century 21 Fran Doyle, Inc. in Bethlehem and was a proud sponsor of Musikfest and Celticfest. She was on the PBS advisory committee. Fran was an active member and chairperson for the City of Bethlehem, Redevelopment Committee for over 25 years since 1992. She was a certified real estate instructor and opened the Lehigh Valley Real Estate Learning Center 2009-2012, and a Certified Distance Education Instructor 2009-2015. She was a dedicated member of the Pennsylvania Fair Housing Committee. She was an officer for the Bethlehem Board of Realtors and a founding member of the merging of the Easton, Bethlehem and Allentown Boards into the Greater Lehigh Valley Board of Realtors, and president of Bethlehem Association of Realtors in 1994 & 1995. Attended Dale Carnegie classes 1989-1990. Accreditation Council of Accountancy in 1982. State Certified Public Accountant and Member of PA Society of Public Accountants in 1977. Membership of National Society of Public Accountants 1976. Founding member of the Wilson Boro Business Association. Started Doyle's Business Services Accounting and Tax Preparation and became an IRS Enrolled Agent. Earlier, she received an Associate Degree from Northampton County Community College 1973 - 1975 and graduated from Easton Catholic High in 1955. She was denied an engineering scholarship she earned, because it was decided to give it to a male because he would need a degree to support a family. This helped to lead Fran to becoming active in women rights; she participated with NOW and marched in ERA marches in the 70's. She was also active with civil and human rights for all people. She kept her motorcycle license active her whole adult life. Fran helped Sister Virginia Longcope start up the non-profit Stephen's Place in Bethlehem in 1993, and also Lexi's Dream in 1999, a high tech accessible apartment for people with disabilities to be part of the community. Throughout her life she was very talented in photography. Her interests included computers, technology, creating videos, education and history, always staying up to date with the latest technology. She loved her children and friends, and especially her grandsons who called her Nanny Franny. Survivors: She is survived by her son, Michael Doyle of Youngstown, OH; daughter, Colleen Tomko and her husband Charles Tomko and grandsons Shaun and Jesse of Coopersburg, PA; son James Doyle of Bethlehem, PA; Sister Marjorie Leiby of Easton, PA; and a brother James Wilson of California; A nephew, raised as a son, Thomas Wilson of Canada. She was predeceased by three brothers George Jr., Robert and Thomas Wilson. Services: A visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 17, 2017 from 5:30-8:00 p.m. at Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. The family will also receive guests on Wednesday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church, 4049 Hartley Ave. Easton, PA 18045 with Mass of Christian Burial to immediately follow. Burial will be held at Gethsemane Cemetery. Contributions: Memorial contributions may be made to Stephen's Place, 729 Ridge St. Bethlehem, PA 18015. Condolences may be offered at www.connellfuneral.com.