04/13/2026

Helen J. Follweiler

Schmidt Funeral Home, PC - Mother of PFDA Member Jane Follweiler

Helen J. Follweiler, of Nazareth, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2026, at home, in the loving care of her family. Born on March 17, 1925, in Bath, Helen was the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Yandrisovits) Herman. She entered the world on St. Patrick’s Day, and in many ways, she carried that same sense of luck, warmth, and lively spirit throughout her 101 years. She lived a life marked by devotion, service, laughter, and love.

Helen was the beloved wife of Edward W. Follweiler, and together they shared 65 years of marriage before his passing on February 25, 2014. Their union stood as a powerful example of commitment, endurance, and partnership. Through the years, Helen built a home filled with care, humor, and steady strength, and she remained the heart of her family in every season of life.

For all who knew Helen, it was impossible not to notice her spark. She was a spitfire in the best sense of the word, quick with her wit, full of life, and always ready to bring laughter into a room. She had a gift for making people feel welcome, and she carried herself with a rare blend of honesty, humor, and heart. She was the kind of woman who did not merely pass through life. She made an impact, and she did so with grace and purpose.

Helen devoted much of her life to hard work and service. She formerly owned and operated Helen’s Beauty Shoppe in Nazareth, where she brought confidence and joy to many. Later, she served for 23 years as supervisor of housekeeping at Gracedale Nursing Home, where she was known not only for her dedication but also for the fun and fellowship she helped create among employees. After retirement, she continued to serve others by spending time at Schmidt Funeral Home, where she could often be found tidying up, working as a beautician, greeting visitors, or serving as an all-around goodwill ambassador. She understood that service is not measured only by title, but by the spirit with which it is given.

Her life was also deeply rooted in faith. Helen was a pious woman who remained faithful to her rosary, daily devotions, and prayer. She was a devoted and active member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Nazareth for most of her life. As a younger woman, she sang in the choir, worked on the Cookbook committee, and volunteered faithfully with the church picnic as Chair of the Waffle Stand. She spent countless hours at the parish and played an important role in starting the Holy Family Senior Luncheon program and together, with her dear friend, Jennie Matejcek, started the school lunch program. She also served as a sacristan and was a former vice president of the Altar and Rosary Society. Her faith was not something she simply spoke about. It was something she lived every day through action, consistency, and love.

Helen’s life is a reminder that a meaningful legacy is built one faithful day at a time. She showed that strength can be gentle, that service can be joyful, and that a spirited heart can inspire everyone it meets. She lived with purpose, loved deeply, and gave generously. Her story encourages us to keep showing up, keep serving, keep believing, and keep bringing light wherever we go. She will be remembered with gratitude, admiration, and affection by all whose lives she enriched.

She is survived by her only child, her loving daughter, Jane A. Follweiler of Nazareth. Helen is also survived by the family pet Shelley-blu, who remained as her faithful companion, pulling tissues from her pocket and happily accepting treats along the way. She leaves behind several loving nieces and nephews who were like her own, including Glenn R. “Bud” Rissmiller and his wife Joan of Blandon, Linda L. Brazenec of Hellertown, Cynthia M. Singer and her husband Jeremy of San Diego, California, and Mary Ellen Erdie and her husband Matthew of Nazareth; as well as nephews, Dent R Follweiler and his wife Cindy, Keith G. Follweiler and his wife Karen and Curt R. Werner and his wife Kathryn. She was preceded in death by her siblings William Herman, Joseph S. “Joey” Herman, John J. Mikovits, Frank S. “Mickey” Mikovits, Mary I. “Mitz” Solderitch, Emma J. Fogel, and Hattie Rissmiller, as well as her nephew Rodney K. Fogel.

Friends and relatives are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial, at 11 am, Monday, the morning of April 13, in Holy Family Catholic Church, 23 Forest Dr., Nazareth. Interment will follow at Holy Family Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered to Holy Family School, 17 N Convent Ave, Nazareth, PA 18064

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Schmidt Funeral Home, PC, 407 Belvidere St., Nazareth. To view a Tribute page honoring Helen, or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.schmidtfuenrelahomepc.com