Helen Elizabeth Suber

On May 20, 2024, Helen Elizabeth Suber (nee Frizell), mother, grandmother and great grandmother, the middle daughter of the late Emmet Vincent Frizell and Hannah Gertrude Wells, died at the age of 97 1/2.  She was preceded in death by her ten siblings: Adelaide, Olive, Enoch, Robert, Margaret, Flora, Pauline, Richard, Michael and Hannah.

Helen was born in Philadelphia on October 18, 1926.  When her mother, a nurse, contracted tuberculosis, she and her younger siblings spent much time at Mount Alto in central Pennsylvania where a tuberculosis sanitorium was designed to provide children the best opportunity for a healthy life in hopes of avoiding the disease.  After her mother's death, the younger children spent additional time in foster care.

Helen described her early jobs in "boxing cookies" as somewhat boring.  She truly enjoyed her time at Curtis Publishing Company in Philadelphia where she served as a clerk.  She met her husband George T. Suber, Jr. at a USO dance and they married on November 16, 1945.  They were married for 40 years.  They relocated to Baltimore during WWII where George served in the US Navy.  They then moved to Texas to be near George's family until they moved back to the newly established Levittown, PA where they raised their two daughters, Kathleen and Loretta (Lori).  Her two daughters becoming nurses was one of her greatest joys.  As an empty nester, she became a part-time cafeteria worker in the local elementary school to keep busy and have extra spending money.

Afforded a limited education, Helen made up for this in her wisdom and humor.  She was an avid reader and an incredible math whiz (when grocery shopping with her, she could tell you within a dollar or two what the total cost would be, whether she had a list with her or not).

Helen was a resident of Paul's Run continuing care community for over 30 years; there she volunteered her time and energy to multiple projects and causes.  After her health declined, she joined the community at St. Joseph's Manor.

Helen is fondly remembered for strength of faith, devotion to the Blessed Mother, love of family, dedication to the service of others and courage to speak her mind.  She said many a rosary and many novenas on behalf of family and friends.  Helen was loving, caring, forgiving, somewhat spunky and always optimistically advocating for the underdog.  

She was one special lady and will be sorely missed by her two daughters, Kathleen Mebus and Loretta Heyduk (Charles) and two granddaughters, Jane Toczek (Robert) and Katherine Palmer (Matthew) and great-grandson Luke in addition to many nieces, nephews and friends.  She was especially grateful to the Saint Joseph Manor staff who cared for her in recent years.

Her family will greet friends on Monday, June 10, 2024 at 10 AM at St. Joseph Manor (Chapel).  Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM.  Inurnment will be on Tuesday at Resurrection Cemetery.

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