Helen M (Dangel) Deist

 Helen M. (Dangel) Deist, age 76, of Duncansville, died Tuesday, October 21, 2025. She was born February 7, 1949 in Altoona, daughter of the late Harry L. and Eleanor M. (Luckner) Dangel of Duncansville. The youngest of five siblings, Helen was the spark in any room she entered. 

A 1967 graduate of Hollidaysburg Area Senior High, Helen worked in retail for many years, primarily selling footwear, a role where her love of fashion and shopping could shine. The importance she placed on caring for those in need led to Helen’s work at the Hollidaysburg Area School District, where she was a paraprofessional in the special education department for twelve years. She also routinely visited the sick and the elderly, and she was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church.

She enjoyed spending time with people, especially family and friends. She brought out smiles in others, had an easy laugh, and served as a treasure trove of local and extended family lore. Helen never met a stranger.

She is survived by a son John Laret (Melissa) of Hollidaysburg; two daughters, Lauren Douglas (Rodger) of Hollidaysburg and Caroline Shoenthal (David) of Farmville, VA; two brothers, Harry Dangel of Atlanta and Dan Dangel of Hollidaysburg. She will also be dearly missed by her five beloved grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 25 years John Deist; a daughter Katie Reilly; a sister Carol Perkovich; and a brother Timothy Dangel.

She will be remembered for her smile, her generosity, and her fabulous shoe collection. 

Friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8pm on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Duncansville. A funeral service will be held at 11am on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at Duncansville Evangelical Lutheran Church, with friends received for one hour prior. Pastor Tiffany Marvich will officiate.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Pediatric Liver Transplant Program at UPMC Children's Hospital.

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