Helen Louise Wagner

Helen Louise Wagner, 92, life-long resident of Shippensburg, departed this life on the afternoon of Thursday, August 15, 2024, at her home.

She was born on January 14, 1932, in Shippensburg, the daughter of the late Robert and Mabel (Orris) Hykes. Helen Louise was a 1949 graduate of Shippensburg High School and a 1952 graduate of the former Penn Hall Conservatory of Music, Chambersburg. She married George W. Wagner on May 26, 1956, in the Messiah United Methodist Church, Shippensburg.

Music was Helen’s life and as such, she was a private piano and organ teacher for the vast majority of her life. Helen taught hundreds of students over the years and was asked to play at countless weddings, funerals, and other functions. For sixty-seven years, she played at the Shippensburg Presbyterian Church, Christ United Methodist Church, and Messiah United Methodist Church, where Helen was also a member for over seventy years. 

In addition to her husband of sixty-eight years, George, she is survived by her daughter, Lucinda W. Jacoby and husband R. Michael of York; her grandson, Stephen M. Jacoby of York; one brother, William O. Hykes of Shippensburg; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Hykes, Jr.

Her funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Fogelsanger-Bricker Funeral Home & Crematorium, Inc., Shippensburg. There will be a private graveside service, held in the Spring Hill Cemetery, Shippensburg. The Rev. Laura Kincaid and the Rev. Dr. Francis H. Norton will officiate. There will be no public viewing or visitation prior to.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Messiah United Methodist Church at 30 South Penn Street, Shippensburg, PA 17257.