Helen I. Falkenstein

Helen I. (Johnson) Falkenstein, 87, passed away peacefully August 6, 2026, at Inners Creek Nursing & Rehab, with her family by her side. She was a longtime resident of York County.

Born February 2, 1939, in York, Helen was one of 12 children born to the late Willis F. and Ethel M. (Smith) Johnson. She was born on Groundhog’s Day, a fact she was always proud to share and one that became a familiar part of how many people knew her. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by six brothers, Harry, Alfred, Elwood, James, John, and David Johnson; and four sisters, Norma Berger, Reba Emerson, Elsie Etter, and Suzanna Wilt.

Helen graduated from one of the last one-room schoolhouses in Newberry Township. In her younger years, she enjoyed painting ceramics and worked a variety of jobs, including at the naval base in Mechanicsburg, a bomb shelter manufacturer, and Kanson Electronics.

Helen was a devout Christian who loved Jesus, her church, and her family. She shared her faith with others, including through teaching Sunday school. She kept her hope and faith throughout her journey.

She will be remembered by her family and friends as a loyal person who was always there through the good times and the bad, and for every milestone along the way. She loved talking about her family, but most of all, she loved being with them.

Helen enjoyed cooking and baking—something she became quite well known for in the community. She perfected her own recipes throughout the years and was especially known for making the best peanut butter eggs, cream puffs, and apple dumplings.

She is survived by two sons, Randolf L. Kline and his companion, Sandra Matreese, of Harrisburg, and Todd E. Falkenstein and his companion, Lorie Dunmeyer, of York; two daughters, Barbara A. and her husband, Robert Musser, of Mechanicsburg, and Teresa K. and her husband, Marc Shaub, of Manchester; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a brother, Paul E. Johnson, of York Haven.

A Celebration of Life Tribute Service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, August 17, at Parkville Bible Church, Etters, with the Rev. Andrew Grate officiating. A viewing will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday at the Church. Burial will be in Cross Roads Cemetery. Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Road, York is honored to serve the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Parkville Bible Church, 800 Whisler Road, Etters, PA 17319.