Helen L. Swackhammer, age 77, of Gardner Hill, Weedville, PA, died January 28, 2021 at her home, after a short illness. A daughter of the late Lee Thomas and Myrtle Catherine (Smith) Barnett, she was born on August 24, 1943 in Punxsutawney, PA. On June 24, 1978 she married Russell L. Swackhammer who predeceased her on February 5, 2015.
Helen is survived by: two children, Raymond (Nicole) Swackhammer of DuBois and Lisa Swackhammer of Gardner Hill; three step-children, Ralph (Sandy) Swackhammer of Gardner Hill, Richard “Dutch” (Debbie) Swackhammer of St. Marys and Faye (Paul) Lucore of Penfield; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and four siblings, Darl “Hoagie” Smith of Weedville, Mervin Barnett of Weedville, Harold “Howie” Barnett of Byrnedale and Betty L. Hoehn of St. Marys.
Along with her parents and husband, Helen was preceded in death by: a brother, Richard Barnett; and two sisters, Carolyn Deeghan and Catherine Rimer.
Living most of her life in Bennetts Valley, Helen graduated from Bennetts Valley Schools and was a member of the Weedville Wesleyan Church. She received her LPN Degree and worked at the St. Marys Hospital Maternity Ward for forty years, retiring in 2008. She had a true passion for her work with families and a special love for the children. She was an avid softball fan; enjoyed crocheting, cooking, and was known for her warmhearted hospitality. She mostly enjoyed her time with her grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 from 5 – 8 p.m. and again on Wednesday, from 10 – 11 a.m. at the Weedville Wesleyan Church.
Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 3, 2021, at the Weedville Wesleyan Church with Pastor Bryon Kleppinger.
Interment will take place in the Gardner Hill Cemetery next to her husband.
The Ralph M. Geer Funeral Home of Penfield has been entrusted with final arrangements.