Helen M. Hanson

Promotion to Glory: Helen Mae Hanson

In the early morning hours of Wednesday, September 8, 2010, Helen Mae Hanson was Promoted to Glory from the Reading Hospital. She was born and raised in Lock Haven, PA, the daughter of Sarah M. Winters and Albert A. Hamm, Jr. She graduated from Lock Haven High School in 1961.

Helen was a lifelong Salvationist, first becoming a Junior Soldier, and later a Senior Soldier of the Lock Haven Corps of The Salvation Army. She was a cornetist in the band, a graduate Corps Cadet, and a member of the Gospel Team and the Ladies' Home League.

She later moved to Reading, PA, where, in 1971, she met and married William Rhoads, Jr. She immediately continued her involvement with The Salvation Army in Reading, joining the band, the songsters, and the timbrel brigade. After her employment at The Salvation Army's Women's Emergency Lodge in Reading, Helen continued to serve as the coordinator of the annual Christmas Kettle Effort and director of the Golden Age Program, as well as making nursing home visits with the League of Mercy. Her work with seniors included Golden Age mystery trips and week-long encampments at The Salvation Army's Ladore Lodge in Waymart, PA. Nineteen years ago, Helen was stricken with stage IV cancer, which left her with several physical challenges. Nevertheless, she was grateful to be a cancer survivor, and always gave glory to God for sparing her, and continuing to use her in so many ways.

Helen was also employed by the Reading Police Department and the Reading Hospital. After her cancer, she earned two degrees from Pace Institute.

In her work and her life, her goal was always the same – excellence and determination. Her love for people was evident in her ability to come alongside those in need. She has opened her home and her heart to college students and immigrants alike, and often provided transportation to those who simply needed a ride. Helen was a student of the Word of God, and has taught Bible classes. She will be greatly missed by her family, her fellow Salvationists, and those whose lives she has touched.

She is survived by her husband, William Hanson, and her siblings, nieces, and nephews; and was predeceased by her parents and her first husband.

A memorial service will be held at The Salvation Army Citadel, 301 South Fifth Street, Reading, PA, at 1:00 pm on Monday, September 13, 2010. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to The Salvation Army in Helen's memory. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.