Helen Dorothy Kistler

Our dear mom, Helen Johnson Kistler, was called home to begin her eternal life with our Heavenly Father on January 28, 2026, at age 93. She was so loved and will be greatly missed, but our lives are forever imprinted with her tenacious, fun-loving spirit and unwavering love for family.

Helen was born on August 16, 1932 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. She was the eldest of four siblings born to Mr. & Mrs. Donald and Helen Johnson. The family lived for many years on Sioux St in Fountain Hill, where Helen attended St Ursula Catholic School. She eventually attended Allentown Central Catholic High School, where she graduated in 1950. After high school, Helen worked in the billing department at Bethlehem Steel Co. until she left to raise her family.

Helen and Howard moved to Texas in 2019 to be near their two sons, daughter-in-law, granddaughter and husband, and two great-granddaughters. It was a difficult decision to leave Bethlehem, but allowed Helen precious time with her beloved family.

Helen met her husband, Howard, at the Ranger Inn in Promise Land and they were married on August 29, 1964. Shortly thereafter, along came three children – Kevin, Michael, and David. David passed away at a very young age after enduring many medical challenges. Helen seldom spoke of her grief but honored David at every opportunity and they are, alas, eternally reunited. The hope of this reunion likely sustained and comforted her throughout her life.

Helen was a dedicated mother always putting her boys at the forefront of her efforts. She was a devout Catholic with an uncompromising commitment to raising her sons in the tenets of her faith, ensuring they attended Catholic school, church, altar boy obligations, and the like. The boys were involved in many sports and she carted them around to practices, games, and all the related events, along with school affairs. Despite these demands, Helen made sure her kitchen was stocked with fresh cut fruits and vegetables, homemade treats, and makings for the best sandwiches in town. As such, the Kistler home was popular amongst all the boys’ many friends. She loved, fed, cared for, and scolded all, as if her own, because she knew the part it would play in creating life-long friendships; so many that are still strong today.

One can’t speak of Helen without mentioning her fun-loving spirit. Over her 93 years, she forged many friendships, some that began in elementary school and continued for decades. She loved adventure and, before settling into marriage and family, could be found on the ski slopes of the Pocono Mountains, water skiing on Lake Wallenpaupack, golfing, or having a Manhattan at the social clubs of the day. She enjoyed many travel adventures with her friends from “The Steel” and was never not on-the-go. Later, she enjoyed visits to the casinos, volunteering with the beauty pageant, church socials, card club, travels with family, and could out-shop anyone! Helen had a passion for reading and often finished books in one night. She loved to talk on the phone and was an amazing conversationalist. She seldom struggled to find commonality with people, and would strike up conversation with just about anyone.

Helen had an indisputable love for all her family that she demonstrated through her caring and thoughtful actions. Helen never forgot a birthday or anniversary and you could always count on a call, a card, flowers, or whatever she deemed suitable enough to make one feel special. In the same likeness, holidays were filled with abundance, celebration, and other expressions of her generous and fun spirit. Helen’s legacy is deeply rooted in the family relationships she instilled and the many memories created at our family celebrations, and will forever live in our hearts.

Helen is survived by her husband of 61 years, Howard; son, Kevin; son, Michael (Mary); granddaughter, Kelsey (Zac); great-granddaughters, Charlotte and Madeline; sister, Mary (Phillip); brother, Dennis (Elaine); and numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, first and second cousins, all whom she loved and cherished so very much.

A mass and celebration of life will be held in Bethlehem, PA at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Helen to St Jude Children’s Hospital.