Helen M. Irvine

Helen McKinney Irvine of Bethlehem, passed away on Saturday, December 14, 2024. Born on January 7, 1922, in Washington, D.C., she was the beloved daughter of the late Paul E. and Minnie S. (Tenschert) McKinney. Helen moved with her parents and brother to Bethlehem in 1929, where she lived most of her life. Helen graduated from Bethlehem High School (now Liberty) in 1940, after which she attended Penn State College (now University), graduating in 1944, with a B.S. degree in home economics. Helen then fulfilled her adventurous streak by working as a stewardess for Eastern Airlines, where she eased the travel of civilians and WWII military members. Helen received a letter from Eastern Airlines President Eddie Rickenbacker, who forwarded a passenger's note of appreciation for her attentive service. Helen was employed as a teacher in the Bethlehem Area School District for about 25 years. She started teaching home economics at Nitschmann and Broughal Junior High Schools. Her Master's in Education from Lehigh University in 1964, enabled her to teach elementary grades at Buchanan and Calypso Elementary Schools. Helen was devoted to raising her students' environmental awareness of and impact on the natural world, a passion passed to Helen by her parents. Helen met Jack Koplin – the love of her life – later in life. They shared 20 fun-filled years in Bethlehem and Lakeland, Florida, attending square and round dance groups, dancing to 1940s big band names, and celebrating their mutual love of the outdoors. Helen was a member of Central Moravian Church, Bethlehem, where she participated in a congregational group that was instrumental in advocating for the call of people of faith to care for creation. The birth of Helen's three children were joyous occasions, seen by her steadfast devotion over the years. Surviving are her loving children and their families: Arnold B. Irvine, Jr. (Mary Ann) of Warren, David S. Irvine of Schnecksville, Suzanne L. Irvine of Bethlehem; grandchildren Matthew Irvine (Dana), Jessica Dube (Greg), Eric Irvine (Cassie), Brittany Irvine, and Liana Irvine; and seven great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 6:00 PM Wednesday, December 18, in the Pearson Funeral Home, 1901 Linden Street, Bethlehem. Interment will be on Friday, December 20, at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Suitland, MD. Family and friends will gather again in the spring for a celebration of life service at Central Moravian Church. In lieu of flowers in Helen's memory, plant a tree or make contributions to Central Moravian Church, 73 W. Church Street, Bethlehem 18018, or Wildlands Conservancy, 3701 Orchid Place, Emmaus, PA 18049. Online condolences may be sent to www.pearsonfh.com.