Helen Dahl Rodgers of Wilmington, formerly of Waretown, NJ, passed away suddenly at home, Thursday, September 22, 2011.
She was born May 30,1922, in Beach Haven, NJ, daughter of the late Frederick W. Dahl and Kathryne (Weiser) Dahl. She was preceded in death by her husband, J. Reed Rodgers; brothers, Fred W. Dahl, Robert K. Dahl; sister, Edith D King and husband, Adrian P. King and nephews, Paul King and Eric Dahl.
Her devoted daughters, Kathie R. Meade (Phil) of Leland, and Susan R. Neuwirth, (Freddie) of Wilmington and nephew, Bruce King (Jackie) of Melbourne, FL. survive her. She will be dearly missed by her family and the many whose lives she touched.
She was a graduate of Trenton State Teacher’s College, Trenton, NJ, where she earned her teaching degree. She was a dedicated educator to many throughout her teaching career at Beach Haven School, Beach Haven, NJ, until her retirement.
Helen showed compassion and generosity to those less fortunate. She routinely contributed to needy families within her local school district. Her only wish was to receive a handwritten note of thanks by a member of the family, preferably a child. She saved these notes and gained much pleasure in rereading them.
Another charity she felt strongly about was Boys Town. She felt any contribution that she made to this organization helped rescue a child and give them hope. These charitable works and others were a source of great comfort and pride.
An avid reader, she read many newspapers each day. Over the years, she maintained a collection of nationally syndicated columns that portrayed political and social trends. She would save humorous anecdotes and riddles to share with family and friends. A lover of the English language, she enjoyed learning the origin of words and their correct usage within great works of poetry, the classics, and musical lyrics.
Solving Will Shortz’s daily crossword puzzles was a lifelong passion. She would challenge herself each day to complete the puzzles more quickly and enjoyed unraveling the mystery behind their themes.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Terie Donovan, her loving caregiver who was like a member of the family; Mary Wooten who provided physical and emotional support; Andre Leonard, MD, Christine Fleming, FNP, and the support staff of Intracoastal Internal Medicine; Mary Clark, Michele Stewart, Cindy Scott of Lower Cape Fear Hospice, everyone’s compassionate service were so greatly appreciated.
Memorial contributions may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1414 Physicians Dr., Wilmington, NC (www.hospiceandlifecarecenter.org/)
Boys Town, 200 Flanagan Blvd. PO Box 145, Boys Town, NE 68010(www.boystown.org/)
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Wilmington Funeral and Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington,NC 28403 910.791.9099
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