Rash's Surname Index
Notes for Helene MCNICHOL
From a well-known Philadelphia family, Helene Emlen died on March 8, 2014 in Abington Hospital at age 86. Many knew her as a realtor with Emlen & Company Real Estate (now Berkshire Hathaway) from 1975 to 2006, first established by her father-in-law in George W. Emlen, Jr. in 1922.
Just after her marriage to James Emlen, Mrs. Emlen started the Candle Shop in Chestnut Hill in 1958, before candles were commonly sold. The shop has since changed owners several times, and celebrated 40 years in business in 1998.
The family moved from Chestnut Hill to Burlington County, NJ for a few years while her children were young. There, she served on the PTA and as president of the local School Board, taking pride in announcing that she beat Nixon in the election! That was Abner Nixon, who she beat 123 to 102 in the School Board election.
After moving from NJ to Ambler in the 1970s, she ran for House of Representatives in the PA Legislature in the 151st Legislative District, including Ambler, Springfield, and other Montgomery County municipalities. She lost to the incumbent at the time, but became better known as a politically active citizen.
She was also a "member emeritus" for St. Christopher's Children's Hospital Board of Lady Visitors, an active member of the Germantown Garden Club participating several years in the Philadelphia Flower Show, and a member of the Penllyn Swim Club in Penllyn, PA.
Friends and family of Helene Emlen know that before her marriage, she worked for Jacob Reed's men's clothier in Philadelphia, that she attended the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts for a few years, and that in 1952 (age 25), she and a friend took the train then a ship to visit Cuba for a few weeks, in the pre-Castro years.
More than anything, Mrs. Emlen was dedicated to her family. Her loving husband Jim Emlen died on their 44th wedding anniversary in 2002. Mother of Elizabeth Emlen, Sarah Besterman, Madeline Ivanovski (Grigori) and James Emlen Jr. (Ann). Also survived by 7 grandchildren. She was predeceased by 2 brothers James and Jack McNichol. A Memorial Service will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers donations in her name to Awbury Arboretum, 1 Awbury Rd., Phila., PA 19138 would be appreciated.
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