Helen Richards Pearson, a longtime native of Easton, PA, died at the age of 97 on Wednesday, January 1, 2025 at Moravian Hall Square. Born February 17, 1927 in Bryn Mawr, PA, she was a daughter of the late Helen (Painter) and Dr. Donald C. Richards. She grew up in a home across from Nevin’s park, where she sledded, and ice skated as a child. After graduation from Cedar Crest College, she married Dr. Linwood J. Pearson. Then, after the arrival of four children, Helen volunteered as a Den mother, Brownie leader, Red Cross Swim Instructor, and Hospital Auxiliary worker at the former Easton Hospital. While the children attended public school, Helen earned a degree in Speech and Hearing from the former East Stroudsburg State College. Upon graduation, she worked as a clinical director at the Helen Beebe Speech and Hearing Center in Easton and facilitated programs for displaced homemakers at the Northampton Community College.
Never far from a swimming pool, Helen was an accomplished swimmer, often achieving the endurance – well into her 70s – of a one-half mile swim. However, in her 90s she still could be seen paddling in a pool! Earlier in life, she and three close friends spent time perfecting the art of synchronized swimming. As an aside, she even served for ten years as the Easton Area High School synchronized swimming coach, where she instructed all three daughters.
After earning three master’s degrees Including Speech and Hearing, Counseling, and Pastoral Counseling from a variety of colleges and universities, Helen worked as a Community Chaplain at Easton Hospital and was a Hospice Chaplain for the Visiting Nurse Association of Easton. Thereafter, Helen continued her lifelong love of learning with the pursuit of a Master of Divinity degree from Moravian Theological Seminary. She then was ordained at St. John’s UCC on Morgan Hill at the age of 70 where she served as Assistant Pastor. Helen continued serving as a visiting pastor before retiring in her 90s.
Helen was the Spiritual Life and Growth Chair for Church Women United, and a member of the Community Relations Council at Easton Hospital. Further, she served on the Cedar Crest College Auxiliary Board, was President of her class of 1948 Alumna Association, and was granted the Alumna of the Year award in 1996. She also facilitated numerous book club organizations and was a proud member of the scholarly Fortnightly Club organization.
Even with all her accomplishments, Helen’s most treasured time was spent with her direct and extended family. For two decades, she welcomed family members to vacation at her beloved Stone Harbor, NJ. Helen also hosted biannual family Thanksgiving gatherings at Hotel Bethlehem.
She is survived by her son, John Pearson and his wife, Christine, of Fort Myers, FL; daughter, Dr. Patricia Rubertone and her husband, Dr. Joseph Rubertone, of Coatesville; daughter, Dr. Susannah Richards of Lancaster; daughter, Audrey Maurer and her husband, Stan Maurer, of Bethlehem; 8 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren and sister, Ann Cook. She was predeceased by her brother, Donald Richards, Jr.
In total, Reverend Helen Pearson conducted 135 baptisms and 54 weddings, several of which were for her children and grandchildren. Further, Helen directed 95 funerals and delivered 236 sermons.
Graveside services in the historic Easton Cemetery will be private. However, all are welcome to attend a Celebration of Life at Moravian Hall Square on January 11 at 10:30 AM in Kortz Hall, 175 W. North St., Nazareth, PA. Memorial contributions may be made to Doctors Without Borders or Heiffer International. Feel free to offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
ELISE PACKARD LAIRD
January 3, 2025 at 2:53 pm
Wow…Helen was a force of nature- many lives lived in one. She was certainly an inspirational woman and someone to admire and rejoice in. My condolences go out to the family for the loss of their very special mother.
Sharon & Rob Sieloff
January 3, 2025 at 3:04 pm
Susannah, we are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family💔.
Rita Smircich & Ed Kelly
January 5, 2025 at 9:33 am
Susannah and family. Our deepest condolences for your loss. Your mom sounds like a force of nature, admired, and well accomplished. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Rita & Ed
John Pfeiffer
January 5, 2025 at 10:44 am
I knew Helen through my wife, Rev Joyce Pfeiffer. Along with Rev Linda Lennon and their very good friend, Sandy Robeson, they held spiritual retreats ( often at Helen’s in Stone Harbor). Helen was a person I wish I’d gotten to know better; she and Rev Joyce were special friends. God has a special place for Helen in heaven.
Rev. Sharon Solt Harfman
January 6, 2025 at 10:52 am
I met Helen just one time many years ago. Reading her obituary left me exhausted! What a rich and full llife in which so many people were blessed with her caring and abilities.
Kathy Neely Rohmann
January 6, 2025 at 11:28 am
I worked waterfront at Girl Scout Camp Echo Ridge in Easton when I was in high school in the late 1960’s. Mrs. Pearson was in charge. She taught her helpers a synchronized routine that we performed as part of a program. I wasn’t particularly good at it. My younger sister, Peggy, swam in her high school program. Mrs. Pearson’s accomplishments are impressive, including her continued dedication to swimming.
Betsy Werley
January 7, 2025 at 6:26 pm
The Werley family send our condolences on Helen’s death. It was a pleasure to know her for many years, and reconnect during her time at Moravian Hall Square. What a wonderful life of helping others, making deep friendships and learning!
Colleen and Kevin Mill Sr.
January 7, 2025 at 6:36 pm
Susannah and family,
We are so sorry for the loss of your very talented and dedicated Mom. May special memories comfort you, now and in the days ahead.
Theresa Bowman
January 10, 2025 at 12:49 pm
Regrettably I will not be able to attend Helen’s Celebration of Life. Thank u so much for ur call letting me know of her passing. I somehow thought she would live forever, so I was truly shocked. She was truly a remarkable woman, one I was happy to call friend. Helen had the ability to see the goodness in people and help them see their own potential. I will miss her especially those times spent dining at The Marblehead. Know that my thoughts and prayers r with u all. Helen is probably taking another class in Heaven perhaps pursuing her degree in Celestial Peace.
Meredith Fleck
January 10, 2025 at 2:53 pm
Jane and all the Flecks send their deepest condolences to all the Person’s. Helen was a wonderful friend and she will be missed.
Rev. Lorraine Sell
January 11, 2025 at 9:32 am
I met Helen at Moravian Seminary where we graduated together in 1997. That is
where our friendship began and continued. We were both student pastors at St.
John’s UCC, Easton different years with Rev. Blake Heffner. I remember leading healing services at St. John’s UCC with Blake and Helen. Special memories over
the years are remembered even thought these last few years we lost touch. we even both graduated from Cedar Crest College, different years though. You sure lived a full involved life. Rest in peace Helen, you deserve the blessed rest of heaven.