Obituary of Helen Norris Schroeder

Helen Reba Norris Schroeder passed away on November 29th, 2017, at the Foxdale Village Retirement Community. She was born on April 15th, 1931, in Tarentum, PA, to John Carnahan Norris and Annie Bell Donaldson Norris. She was 86 years old at the time of her death. Her four brothers and one sister, and her husband, Morris E. Schroeder, her husband of 57 years, preceded her in death. Helen is survived by her children: Gary Schroeder and his wife Laurey of Landenberg, PA; Joyce Schroeder and her husband Bruce Honeyman of Boulder, CO; Glenn Schroeder of Boulder, CO; and Lisa Lucas and her husband Mark of Centennial, CO; by her grandchildren: Zachary, Quintin and Wyatt Schroeder; Alex Honeyman; and Van and Caroline Lucas; and her great-granddaughter Ella (Quintin's daughter). All of Helen's four children were Rangers at the Philmont Scout Ranch, NM. Both of her sons and all of her five grandsons are Eagle Scouts and her granddaughter a Philmont Rayado Woman. Many beloved nieces and nephews also survive her. Helen graduated from Penn State University in 1953 with a B.S. in Home Economics. She was a member of the 'Famous 500'—the first Freshman women in campus dorms after WW II. After graduation, Helen worked as a Home Economist at the Pennsylvania Power and Light utility company. Helen was a homemaker and community volunteer for many organizations throughout her life, including: 4-H Leader, Cub Scout Den Mother, Girl Scout Cookie Mother, President of the Meals on Wheels Board, Board Member of Centre Home Care, Board Member of Lady Lions Cager Club, a volunteer at the Hintz Alumni House, and part of quilting and garden interest groups of the University Women's Club. She was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church and played in the Carillion Handbell Choir. She was also the Altar Flower Lady at St. Paul's for 10 years. Helen loved family time together, world travel and photography, bridge and Penn State sports. A Memorial Service for Helen will be held in the Auditorium at Foxdale Village, 500 E. Marylyn Avenue, State College, PA at 1:00 pm on Saturday, January 6th, 2018. Memorial contributions to 'Meals on Wheels' may be made in Helen's name to: State College Area Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 1235, State College, PA 16804. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.