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Helen Manderbach Obituary
Helen M. Manderbach, 84, of Oley, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on November 23, 2018.
She was the beloved wife of Richard W. Manderbach celebrating their 56th wedding anniversary earlier this year.
She was a daughter to the late Hugh and Helen (Powell) McShane, and sister to siblings: Hugh, Mary Alice, James and Isabelle.
Helen was an aspiring singer and actress in her younger years, but found her strength and joy was in directing and writing. She was a longtime member and supporter of the Pennsylvania Playhouse in Bethlehem, and was a member of the League of Woman voters and the Kutztown
Democratic Club. Helen and husband, Richard, enjoyed singing together in the Bach Choir of Bethlehem for many years.
Along with her husband, Helen is survived by her sons: Paul, of Effort, Pa., Kurt, and his fiancé, Dawn, of Oley, Pa., and John, of Brooklyn, N.Y. She was a loving grandmother to Kurt's two daughters, Erika and Aleigha, and Dawn's two sons, Howard and Matthew. She was a supportive and
loving Aunt to her many nieces and nephews. James McShane of Bethlehem, Pa., is her only surviving sibling.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, December 16, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 342
Lobachsville Road, Oley, Pennsylvania 19547. To offer
online condolences to the family, visit her "Book of
Memories" at falkfuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Helen Manderbach
6 Entries
David Reno
December 18, 2018
I met Helen Manderbach when we preformed The Time of Your Life at the Pennsylvania Playhouse in 1968. She was a dear friend. We had a very intimate relationship discussing politics, literature and the events of the world. I wish to pass my love of Helen on to her family. You had a wife, mother, and grandmother. I had a great friend.
Since we were both of the theatre I would like to suggest a line from The Twilight Zone which had comforted me.
In the episode A Game of Pool, pool shark Jessie Cardiff (played by Jack Klugman, from Philadelphia) is frustrated he cannot play the all time champion Fats Brown, who is dead.
Fats Brown, (played by Jonathan Winters) suddenly appears. The astonished Cardiff say "No it's not possible. You're, you're"
"Dead?", says Brown. "Not Really. As long as people talk about you, you don't really die. As long as people say your name, you continue. A legend doesn't die just because the man does."
Helen, I'll see you at the next stage.
December 16, 2018
Remembering Helen from all our fun times at Western Electric. She was such a wonderful person to be friends with. She sang at my husband's and my wedding in 1965. Our sympathy goes out to Dick and family.
Betty and Paul Cera
Isabel Mangold Miller
December 3, 2018
I worked with Helen many years ago at Western Electric. We were always able to laugh and have fun. She enjoyed talking about the theater and her boys. I often pass the house she lived in near Hellertown when I visit my son, and would think about her. She was a great lady. My sympathy to Richard and her entire family.
Denise Weinsteiger
December 2, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Manderbach was my SMILES volunteer at OVES in kindergarten many years ago. She always had a warm smile and gentle way with my students. The children enjoyed practicing various skills taught in class every week with Helen. She was a big help with preparing materials as well. Please accept my sincere sympathy.
Richard Hammersmith
December 2, 2018
With a deep sense of sadness I mourn the passing of my dear friend Helen. We met back in 1945 when both our families lived in the South Terrace Housing Project. Hugh McShane,her older brother,and I became best friends which lasted a lifetime. In spite of some tragedies along the way the McShane-Hammersmith friendship proved to be a very joyful one and has accumulated memories too numerous to count.My condolences to her entire family. May she now rest in peace with her God and loved ones that have passed before her.
December 2, 2018
Helen was one of my first friends when I started working at Western Electric. Remember going out with her and fellow friends on St. Patrick's Day. Helen singing many Irish songs. Love her. My deepest sympathy to husband and her whole family.
Judy Comerer Kuhns
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
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