Helen May Ditzenberger

Helen May Ditzenberger, age 98, of Franklin, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2025, just weeks shy of her 99th birthday. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose life was defined by deep love, unwavering faith, and quiet strength. Married for 61 years to the love of her life, she built a legacy of devotion and grace that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Born in Livingston Manor, NY on August 4, 1926 she was the daughter of Ellsworth and Myrtle Reed. On June 4, 1943, Helen married the love of her life, Orville Ditzenberger, and together they shared 61 beautiful years of marriage. Their bond was one of deep commitment, joy, and enduring partnership.

Helen and Orville enjoyed many years camping and fishing at Lake Erie with their family during the summer months and proudly made their home in Bradenton, FL during the winter until his passing in 2005.

Helen retired from Polk Center in 1984, where she worked in dietary. She had a gift for making people feel loved - and sometimes, that love was stitched right into fabric. She filled her days with sewing, creating beauty and comfort with her hands. She has sewn many things for her family and friends through the years. Her most heart-loving accomplishment was sewing each of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren a quilt of their own to cherish for years to come. She also loved to bake and was quite well-known for her simply delicious apple pies.

She lovingly raised four children: George (Mary) Ditzenberger, Jerry (Pat) Ditzenberger, Elaine Hedglin, and Neil (Pam) Ditzenberger. She was a proud grandmother to seven grandsons: Jason (Jeannette) Ditzenberger, Michael (Melissa) Ditzenberger, Eric (Jen) Ditzenberger, Craig (Nicole) Ditzenberger, Raymond (Shannon) Hedglin, Kenny (April) Hedglin, Brian (Cree) Ditzenberger and one granddaughter Shawn (Dennis) Hawke. She was also a loving great-grandmother and great-great grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years Orville on February 20, 2005, her son George Ditzenberger on March 25, 2016, Daughter-in-Law Mary Ditzenberger on June 23, 2009, and her only sister Irene Stratton.

Helen's legacy will live on in the lives she touched and the love she so freely gave. She leaves behind a family who adored her and who are eternally grateful for her presence. Her life was full, her heart was big, and her impact immeasurable.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the Visiting Nurses and also the Gentiva Hospice nurses, who provided such amazing care to her.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Rose and Black Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. 99 Franklin St, Stoneboro, PA, 16153. As per Helen's wishes, there will be no public services.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Helen’s memory to a charity of one’s choice.