Helen Claire Waninger

Helen Claire Waninger, 82, of Cumru Township, passed away December 19, 2013 in her son's residence in McKinney, Texas.

Born in Reading, she was a daughter of the late Wilbur and Catherine (Richards) Lerch. As a child Helen was often found at the family business, Richard's Toy Corner, at Front and Buttonwood streets in Reading.

Helen was a 1949 graduate of Central Catholic in Reading, Pa. She was married in 1950 to Richard Waninger and they were together until his death September 3, 2013.

Helen taught piano and organ privately for over 40 years. She also worked 10 years at CNA. Helen retired from teaching in 2013 after 15 years at Keyboard World. During her 40 years of piano and organ teaching she brought music into the lives of hundreds of people. Music was truly her passion.

She is survived by her three sons: Lee and wife Dorothy, Claymont, DE; Eric and wife Linda, McKinney, TX; and Kurt and late wife Melissa of Dublin, OH. Also surviving is her brother, Clifford, husband of Shirley Lerch, Sinking Spring and her sister, Carol, wife of Richard Focht, Reading. Eight grandchildren, Kimberly, Brent, Megan, Nathan, Julia, Evan, Kristopher and Catherine also survive him.

A viewing will be held Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. with words of remembrance beginning at 12 p.m. in Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., 739 Penn Ave., West Reading. Burial will be in Forest Hills Memorial Park. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.