Obituaries

Helen B. Bitts, 93

November 10, 2018

Helen B. Bitts, 93, of Lancaster, PA, passed away on November 10, 2018 at Conestoga View. Born in Lancaster, PA, she was the daughter of the late Elizabeth (Brophy) and Othmar C. Kirchner. Helen was the loving wife of the late Robert L. Bitts, Sr. for over 37 years.

Helen was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. She was a 1943 graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School. She belonged to the St. Joes’ Seniors Club, the Catholic Daughters Association and the Altar Rosary Society at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Mostly Helen enjoyed spending time with her family.

Helen is survived by her children: Barbara B. Plastino (William) of San Antonio, TX; Patricia J. Boley of Lancaster; Jeanne B. Heaton (Wayne) of Brigantine, NJ; Jeffrey C. Bitts (Debra) of Lititz and Susan M. Southward (William) of Lancaster; 13 Grandchildren; 16 Great-Grandchildren and her sister Mary Ann Welsh (Robert) of Lancaster. Helen was preceded in death by a son Robert L. Bitts, Jr; and her siblings: Othmar C. Kirchner, Jr., James J. Kirchner, Michael Kirchner, Thomas Kirchner and Margaret Kilheffer
Friends and family are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 16, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 440 Saint Joseph Street, Lancaster, PA 17603. The family will receive guests at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will follow at St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Helen’s memory to St. Joseph Catholic Church, address above.

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Condolences to the Family

November 19, 2018

Dearest Patti and the entire family of Helen Bitts,
I had a little visit with Helen recently. I am so glad I did, and I am sad to hear of her passing. I always enjoyed Helen’s kind nature and hospitality. She often had us to her house for a Catholic Daughters meeting and luncheon. She served as our Recording Secretary and took beautifully handwritten minutes. After moving to Conestoga View, Helen often played bingo in Cafe’ 900 when Catholic Daughters volunteered.
Please accept sincerest condolences from me and from all the Catholic Daughters of the Americas in Court Queen of Peace #1023, Lancaster, PA. A Mass requested by our court was offered for Helen on Sunday, Nov. 18th because she had a birthday this month (Nov. 5th), another will be offered for Helen December 16th with the intention of “Rest in Peace”, and a third on January 20th for the family “With Sympathy”. All these Masses are offered through our Pennsylvania State Court at 10:30 AM at St. Therese of the Child Jesus Church in Altoona, PA. The donations will be sent to help the seminarians studying at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. 
 
Sincerely, 
Margaret 
Margaret T. Giordano
Lancaster Court Queen of Peace #1023
Pennsylvania Second Vice State Regent
Catholic Daughters of the Americas

November 16, 2018

To the Bitts family,
It has been a long time since we had contact with you.  We, my sister Geraldine and I would like to send our
condolences to the family.  There are a lot of fond memories of Bob and Helen.
 

November 15, 2018

May Helen Rest In Peace… we were her sister, Margaret Kilheffer’s neighbors on W. Vine St…. played with her niece, Kathy every day💕

November 14, 2018

Dear Barb, Patti, Jeannie, Sue, Jeff, and all the Bits family, I send my most sincere and heartfelt condolences to you.  I will always have wonderfully warm and fond memories of your mother and grandmother.  I am so honored to have known her and our entire staff looked forward to and delighted in her visits.  I feel badly that I will be out of town the day of her services, but please be assured she and all of your family will be my thoughts and prayers.

November 14, 2018

Dear Bitts Family,                                                                                                                                    On behalf of the Moser family from Cabbage Hill (Manor Street), my deepest sympathies on the passing of your mother and sister.  Robert Jr. was a classmate of mine at St. Joseph’s and I remember your family fondly.  I will pray for her and your family.   Robert J. Moser

November 14, 2018

I am so sorry for your loss. 
Anne Lombardo 

November 14, 2018

Dear Bitts Family,
Even though its been many many years I remember your mom with much fondness.  My heart reaches out to each of you during this sad time.  Sending warm hugs, Patsy Heilbron Lavinia

November 12, 2018

Dear Bitts family – please accept my sincere sympathy at the loss of your mother, grandmother, & great grandmother.  Your mom had a way of always making me feel welcome.  I will remember her fondly.  Love, Kate

November 12, 2018

Dear Barbara, Patti, Jean, Sue and Jeff.
We are so very sorry for the loss of your mother. She was truly someone very special in my life, as are Kathyall of you. So many fond memories. Priceless!!
May you take comfort that she has finally united with your wonderful Dad, and Bobby. No more confusion, just joy.
May God Bless you and comfort you.
Much love,   Kathy and Fred
 

November 12, 2018

To my cousins, I was so saddened to hear Aunt Helen passed away…I pray she is at Peace and now with Uncle Bob. I loved being around her, she was open minded, non judgmental and just her loving self. I have so many fond memories visiting you on Hershey Ave…memories are precious!  God Bless you all during these heartfelt days and hope all your loving memories with your Mother will carry you through life 💕
Your cousin
Carol Kirchner-Vere

Visitation
Friday, November 16, 2018
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
St. Joseph Catholic Church
440 Saint Joseph Street
Lancaster, PA
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Services
Friday, November 16, 2018
11:00 AM
St. Joseph Catholic Church
440 Saint Joseph Street
Lancaster, PA
Map and Directions

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