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.
