Helen Wachter (1924-2023)

Helen Frances Wrubel Wachter, 98, formerly of Hummelstown, passed away Tuesday, March 28, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Williamstown, on December 2, 1924, she was the daughter of the late John and Michalina Wrubel.

Helen, a bright student, graduated first in her class at Williamstown High School. During World War II she worked as a clerk for the Selective Service in Harrisburg processing recruits. After the war, Helen married the love of her life, Edward Wachter. They created a beautiful family with five children to whom she devoted her substantial talents and passions.

Helen was a 50+ year member of St. Joan of Arc church in Hershey, Pa where she volunteered for the St Vincent De Paul Society, holiday bazaars, plant sales and much more. Helen lovingly restored many religious statues at St. Joans including the large Blessed Mother figure and the entire Nativity set used every Christmas. The damaged figures looked like new after Helen applied her loving touch.

She was a member of the Hummelstown Women’s Club, the Polish American Association, and was a former president of the Areba Club. Helen was the librarian at the Hummelstown Library for many years and volunteered at the Hershey Museum.

When Helen wasn’t volunteering, she was likely painting. A gifted oil painter, she created many beautiful still lives, landscapes and portraits. Her 1960s painting of the square in Hummelstown is in the collection of the Hummelstown Historical society.

In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Edward J. Wachter and her nine siblings. Helen is survived by her five children, Theresa Wachter, Mary Elizabeth Wachter, Michael J. Wachter, Marian Wachter, and Edward Wachter Jr. Her grandchildren include Noah Katz, Lily Katz and Mitzi Adler-Wachter.

Services will be held Tuesday, April 4, 2023. A viewing begins at 10:00 AM, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 AM, both at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 305 West Areba Avenue, Hershey. Helen will be interred at Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joan of Arc’s Heart of the Parish Fund at the address above or online at https://giving.parishsoft.com/App/Giving/PS-1376.