Helen S. Henning

Helen Stoker Henning, 88, of New Cumberland, passed away on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at Penn State Holy Spirit Medical Center, East Pennsboro Township. She was the daughter of the late John W. and Helen V. (Cullen) Stoker, born on June 3, 1936, in Philadelphia.

Helen was a 1954 graduate of the former New Cumberland High School and would go on to college at Penn State University. She was then employed with Bell Telephone, Harrisburg, where she worked as a drafter for 18 years. She would marry and start a family with her late husband, Robert, leading Helen to transition from the workplace to raising their children.

She was a longtime parishioner of St. Theresa Catholic Church and member of the New Cumberland Women’s Club. She served on the Apple Festival Committee for years. She was the perfect blend of fun and caring mom, but she always had a knack for giving a sharp look that could get you to shape up in a hurry. Long Beach Island, NJ, was her lifelong vacation spot and “happy place.” Helen loved animals and plants alike; her golden retriever, Penny, and granddogs, Willow and George, brought her immense joy, and she found peace in her garden. She will be missed.

Surviving Helen are her children, John W. Henning and Virginia H. “Ginny” Henning, both of New Cumberland. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, Robert W. Henning (dcd. 2009).

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11AM on Friday, March 14, 2025, at St. Theresa Catholic Church, New Cumberland, with a time of visitation and refreshment immediately following mass in the church’s social hall. A private burial will take place in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Helen’s name to her church, St. Theresa Catholic Church, or to the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area.