Helene E. (Burkett) Snook slept away peacefully in the early morning of Monday, September 8, 2025, at Transitions Allens Cove in Duncannon after spending more than 102 years among us. Born March 24, 1923, in Somerset County to Walter and Esther (Banks) Burkett, she spent her teenage years and the rest of her active life in Lewistown, PA, prior to moving to Transitions (then known as Kinkora Pythian Home) in 2019.

She was preceded in death by her husband of over 45 years, Richard A. Snook, who passed on May 23, 1989. She is survived by her two daughters; Carol (Snook)Stark of Camp Hill PA and Rhonda (Snook) Stevens and her husband George Stevens of Las Vegas NV; three granddaughters, and four great grandchildren.

Helene was known by many as the face of Lewistown Florist when it was located next to the Miller Theater, greeting everyone with her positivity and smile to help with anything from a prom boutonniere to complete wedding decor. In her off hours and into her retirement, she was a member of the Lewistown Hospital Auxiliary and served as a volunteer at Lewistown Hospital, again greeting and helping people by anchoring the front desk on her shift, and picking up some computer skills in the process.

Her outgoing nature helped her through a youth born post WWI and growing up during the Depression, moving schools as her father Walter supported the family by following available work. When they reached Lewistown and established a home, her musical talents came out. She and another young woman were the first female members of the Lewistown High School Marching Band. She took her alto saxophone further to reach the finals in Pennsylvania state solo competitions.

After graduation, she became a member of a dance band as their vocalist and sax player. It was while performing during one of their “gigs” that she met Richard (Dick) Snook. They married on November 6, 1943, in Texas, where he had completed US Army pilot training, and just before he was shipped out to the European front as a reconnaissance pilot. After his safe return, they built their home, started a family, and Helene began actively engaging in community life. When her girls were school age, she was active as a Girl Scout leader, member of the Hemlock Girl Scout Council, and member of the Highland Park Elementary PTA. When the girls reached high school, Helene enthusiastically supported them by diving into Chief Logan Band Boosters life which brought her full circle with her love of music.

As Carol and Rhonda went off to college, an accomplishment of which both Helene and Dick were extremely proud, Helene began to immerse herself in another passion of hers, church life. She had always been a very active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church on North Main Street as a long time Sunday School teacher and member and a President of the St. John’s Circle of the Lutheran Church Women. At this point, her interest turned to Lutheran liturgy and understanding the significance of all its physical aspects, eventually becoming the Altar Guild Chairperson.

As the years progressed, she compiled a complete instruction manual to guide her committee of volunteers in maintaining the rich visual culture of the Lutheran Church, a manual still in use today.

She optioned to retire from the Florist’s when Dick retired from the American Viscose Corporation so they could spend time actively enjoying travel, gardening, time with friends and family, and helping Helene’s aging parents. After Dick’s passing, Helene found friendship and companions among other widows at St. John’s. They took lively jaunts yearly (if not more) around the US from Nantucket to Hawaii. Helene made regular flights to Las Vegas to enjoy time with Rhonda, George, and granddaughter Rachel.

Her favorite scripture, which she quoted often, was Psalm 118:24 “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Helene has left us this message: “I’ve had a wonderful life and beautiful family. I’ve been blessed. I look forward to joining the two men I’ve loved most, my husband and my Lord. Thankfully, Helene.’

A viewing will be held from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at Hoenstine Funeral Home, Lewistown followed by interment at Juniata Memorial Park. Officiated by Pastor Allen Hulslander.

Arrangements are under the care of Hoenstine Funeral Home, Lewistown.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.hellerhoenstinefuneralhome.com.