Helen W. Satterthwait

Helen Windle Satterthwait

Born in an Uncle’s home in Spring City, PA, 14 January 1928. Helen died March 31, 2025, age 97.

Two brothers, Jack and Bob, and one adopted sister, Janice. Grew up in Downingtown and Lionville, PA. Helen graduated from Downingtown High School, Class of 1946. Then pursued her dream of becoming a nurse, graduating from Chester County Hospital School of Nursing, Class of 1949. Helen loved nursing, her hospital, and her alumni friends. She served as Alumni Association President, VP, Secretary, treasurer, and Alumni Luncheon Chairperson for over 60 years!

Her nursing career was long and distinguished. 1949-1952, Operation Room Nurse; 1952-1956, Office Nurse for Dr. Howard B.F. Davis; for several years, part time at the Hoffman Nursing Home. In 1961 Helen returned to CCH as the Charge Nurse for the Medicine/Surgery floors, at times relieving the Supervisor or Director of Nursing Services. She also worked in the Emergency and Labor/Delivery Departments. Helen was Director of Nursing Services from 1970 to 1981. For a time, she welcomed and prepared new nurses as a Staff Instructor. For several years later on she was the Office Nurse for Dr. Harry Hutchinson. Helen finished her nursing career in 1991 as Director of Nursing Services at the Phoenixville Manor Nursing Home.

In June of 1956, Helen married Richard “Dick” I. Satterthwait, a truck driver, which was most handy for their various vacation campers. Blessed with two (2) children, Ruth (Satterthwait) Dix (Thomas) and Donald; four (4) grandchildren, Tonya, Shaneen, “Donnie” Jr., Julia (deceased); six (6) great, grandchildren, Tyler, Brennan, Thomas, Thaddeus, Charli Jane, and Wyatt "Matthew"; and one (1) great, great, grandchild, Rhett.

Helen looked forward to regular luncheon dates with high school friends, a group of cousins, and her beloved nursing classmates. Baking, sewing, knitting and crocheting, bowling, and camping were hobbies. She followed the Phillies, Eagles, and once in a while the Flyers, and yes, even the Pittsburgh teams near here daughter’s home.

After Dick’s passing (12/18/1995), Helen moved to the Tel Hai Retirement Community in Honeybrook, PA in 1997. Helen jumped right into volunteering at the Garrett Community Center reception desk and the gift shop. Helen helped with the Holly Trail, A Day in the Country, and the flea market. She was named the Volunteer of the Quarter in 2009.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Tel Hai, and community friends, for their care of Helen during her many years as a resident and patient. Also to the staff at Chester County Hospital and the end of life Hospice Care personnel.

There will be no viewing or visitation. A private grave side service will be held at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to either The Chester County Hospital, 701 E. Marshall Street, West Chester, PA 19380 or to Tel Hai Care Benevolence Fund, P.O. Box 190, Honey Brook, PA 19344.