Helen M. Harrop SERVICE POSTPONED

Helen Marie Harrop

November 17, 1935-January 12, 2024

Helen Marie Harrop, age 88, cherished daughter of the late Edgar and Helen Dunn Harrop of Phoenixville, died peacefully Friday afternoon, January 12, 2024.  She is predeceased by older brothers Edgar Harrop, Jr. of Gallipolis, OH and Dr. Donald E. Harrop of Phoenixville and Long Beach Island, NJ, and her beloved border collies.  

Helen was very active in her community, serving on the Historical Society of Phoenixville Area (Corresponding Secretary 2006-2010), the Phoenixville Library (Co-Chair of the Library renovations in 1986) and First Presbyterian Church (History Committee, choir member, Sunday school teacher, and was instrumental in the renovations of the pipe organ). 

Miss Harrop was the salutatorian of the 1953 class of Phoenixville HS, a 1957 graduate of Kutztown State Teachers College (now University).  She received a Master’s degree from Temple University in 1963, attended The NY Theological Seminary in NY City in 1965-1967 and received a Masters of Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary.  She was an innovative teacher for the Owen J. Roberts School District for 30 years, primarily at East Coventry Elementary School, before retiring in 1999.

She was a Christian lady, who will be remembered as a voracious collector, an eloquent writer/historian, a world traveler, painter and photographer.  Her watercolors will hang on many a welcomed wall.  She was a thoughtful and generous friend to many.   

Helen is survived by nieces and nephews David (and Mary) Harrop of PA, Ginny (Harrop) Barry of OH, Louise (Harrop) Strack of NJ, Dorothy (and David Kievit) Harrop of CT, Don (and Jenny) Harrop of NC, Ted Harrop of NJ and Mary (and Stefan Reheis) Harrop of AK, as well as grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.  We already miss her unflappable wit, her amazing intelligence, her beautiful smile and general good humor. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her visitation and funeral service at the Devlin-Gatcha Funeral Home (517 S. Main St, Phoenixville, PA) on Saturday, January 20, 2024 with visitation at 10:00 am and service at 11:00 am. A private burial will follow in Morris Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to an animal shelter of your choice, and/or the Historical Society of Phoenixville Area (204 Church St, Phoenixville, PA 19460). Condolences may be offered online at www.GatchaFuneral.com.