Helen was a real corker, with a dry sense of humor, and strong sense about what was needed by those she loved. She offered unconditional love for every family member, always sharing her opinion, solicited or not.

Helen was born July 22,1924 in Clearfield, Pennsylvania, the daughter of William and Elva Gingery Adams. She died peacefully at home on February 21, 2023, surrounded by family.

Her first remarkable achievement was perfect school attendance for all 12 years (not many people can say that)!  After graduation, she worked in local factories during World War ll, supporting the war effort. Her brother, then stationed in Alabama, introduced her to a young pilot from Telford, PA, Lester N. Freed, who was serving in the Army Air Corps. They met, fell in love, and during an infrequent weekend off, were married in Telford on September 22, 1945.

Helen's life was filled with work and many family activities, frequently making food for church, friends and parties. Her signature funny cakes were always gobbled up by appreciative recipients. Helen was a nurturing spirit, often delivering bowls of soup, zucchini bread and cookies to people who were ill. For a period of time, she was a loving caregiver for several elderly women in the Telford area. Delighted grandchildren opened boxes of goodies from Gram while away at school. She was exceptionally thoughtful about keeping in touch with extended family, and sent cards for any reason just to keep threads of connection alive. She loved traveling with Lester to places far and wide, including Europe and the Virgin Islands.

She was predeceased by her husband Lester, son Craig, and her siblings: Ellery, Margaret and Mary.

Survivors include daughters: Susan Leidy (Olin), Sandra Thomas (Russ) and daughter-in-law, Julie Freed.  She leaves five grandchildren: David Leidy (Corrina), Brian Leidy (Stacy), Scott Thomas, Kimberly Hake (Paul) and Evan Freed and six great-grandchildren: Calvin Leidy, Barry Leidy, Jada Leidy, Sienna Leidy, Harper Hake and Julian Hake. Many nieces and nephews across the United States loved Aunt Helen.

Helen's family is grateful to CrossRoads Hospice for their care and support throughout the last several months, and to Lauren Cuce and Barb Blumhardt, her personal caregivers.

Her final word of advice to each of us is this: "Life is short…reach out and keep in touch with your family and friends…because I said so!"

Helen's service will be held at Ridge Valley United Church of Christ, 905 Allentown Road, Sellersville, PA on Saturday, February 25 at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Access to the Arts (cataarts.org) and click on "make a gift").

For those unable to attend in person, this celebration of life will be virtual/livestreamed on Facebook at Ridge Valley United Church of Christ.

Arrangements by Sadler-Suess Funeral Home www.sadlersuessfuneralhome.net