Helen Cassel Breneisen

Helen Cassel Breneisen, 98, formerly of Junction Road, Manheim passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 6, 2011 at Brethren Village, Lancaster.Born in Rapho Township, she was the daughter of the late Clarence L. and Mabel Sharpe Cassel. Helen graduated in 1930 from the former Manheim Boro. School and was a 1935 graduate of the former West Chester Teachers College with a B.S. in Music and English. In 1935, Helen introduced vocal music in the thirty 1-room schools in Rapho and Penn Townships. From 1938 to 1941, she taught vocal music at all grade levels for the Manheim School District and Solanco School District. Helen also taught Elementary vocal music in the Hempfield School District from 1956 until her retirement in 1975. She was an active and faithful member of Salem United Methodist Church, Manheim since 1925, where she taught Sunday school and was the director of youth and adult choirs for many years. She was a member of the Manheim Historical Society and volunteered for the American Red Cross and the Lancaster General Hospital for nineteen years. She was the wife of the late Richard R. Breneisen who died in 1994. Surviving are two daughters, Susanne wife of Richard Stottlemyer of Mystic, CT, Barbara A. wife of William L. Hampton Jr. of Alexandria, VA, a son, Thomas R. Breneisen husband of Gale Johnson of Manheim, four grandchildren, Tom Stottlemyer of Noank, CT, Christa Harrison of Woodbridge, VA, Jessica wife of Dan Wagner of Manheim, Erika Breneisen of Manheim and seven great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, C. Eugene Cassel and a sister, Maebelle Ingham.Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service at Salem United Methodist Church, 140 North Penn Street, Manheim on Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Melinda L. McKonly officiating. Interment in Ruhls United Methodist Cemetery, Rapho Township. There will be a public viewing at the church on Tuesday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Please omit flowers. Those desiring may send contributions in Helens memory to Salem United Methodist Church, Music Fund, 140 North Penn Street, Manheim, PA 17545.