Helen E. Burkholder

Helen E. Burkholder of Lititz transitioned peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus on Saturday, January 6th. Born in Lancaster on September 5,1934, she was the daughter of the late John S. and Esther Erb Hiestand. Helen was the faithful and loving wife of Roy S. Burkholder, with whom she celebrated 68 years of marriage on April 23rd. Helen demonstrated a genuine love for the Lord, her family, and everyone she encountered.

Helen graduated from East Donegal High School in 1952 and Eastern Mennonite College in 1954. For most of her life, she shared her love of music with numerous students through teaching piano. For 40 years, she imparted her knowledge of God's Word to public school students through the Warwick Released Time. Early in their married life, she and Roy worked in the summer camp program at Tel Hai Camp in Honey Brook. Helen was an active member of Neffsville Mennonite Church, where she served as pianist, children's Bible teacher, choir member, and kitchen worker.

Surviving, in addition to her husband, are 3 children: Carolyn, wife of Roger North from Lititz; Jon, husband of Karen Vaselaros from Manheim; and Kenneth, husband of Karen Frankenfield from Dublin. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren: Laura, Andrew, Garrison, Steven, Kirsten, Alyssa, Matthew, and Justin; and 11 great-grandchildren. Helen was preceded in death by a brother, John E. Hiestand, husband of Dianne, and is survived by 3 siblings: Robert E. Hiestand, husband of Barbara; Marian Carpenter, wife of Larry; and Nadyne Batts.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, January 13th at 1:00 pm at Neffsville Mennonite Church, 2371 Lititz Pike, Lancaster. There will be a time to greet the family at the fellowship meal, following the service.