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Helen Dolores Strobel (née Hoag), born on August 31, 1930, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2026, leaving behind an incredible legacy of love and service, and an indomitable zest for life. She lived fully, loved deeply, and gave selflessly. A resident of Cinnaminson since 1961, Helen’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with family devotion, tireless community service, and a passion for music, dancing, theater, and family vacations in Stone Harbor. Her days were marked by purpose, generosity, and joy, and her presence made every place warmer and more alive. Helen’s greatest joy was her family. She was the devoted wife of the late Frank Charles Strobel, Jr., who served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, and was the beloved mother of five children: Michael Strobel, Jacqueline Santarsiero (Jack), Richard Strobel (Maryanne), Robert Strobel (Stephanie), and Carol Strobel; and the grandmother of Jillian, Nicole, Janelle, Aubrey, Christian, Brian, Jessica, Carson, and Brooke. She is also survived by her dear friend William Carlino. Helen's love for her family was boundless. A charter member of St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Helen’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. She served as a lector, bell choir member, prayer group leader, carnival worker, PTA room mother, and member of the Altar & Rosary Society. Her faith was not only professed, but lived—quietly, humbly, and generously. A charter member of Pomona Swim Club, Helen served as trustee, secretary, and volunteer with the Swim Team Parents Club. She also served as a Cub Scouts den mother and volunteer for Cinnaminson PAL sports. A model of civic engagement, Helen served as Chairwoman of the Cinnaminson Board of Health for over twenty years, Chairwoman of the Local Assistance Board, Election Board Worker for nearly five decades, District 16 County Committeewoman for more than forty years, and as vice-president of the Cinnaminson GOP Club. Her commitment to civic life reflected her belief that service to one’s community was both a duty and a privilege. Helen's love for dancing began at a young age and her talent earned the nickname “Helen The Legs.” In her early years, neighborhood parents asked young Helen to teach dancing to their kids. Later, she danced on television and for the U.S.O. She continued to share her passion for dance and the performing arts, enriching the lives of those around her, by serving as an actress and performer in comedies, dramas, and musicals for the Upper Darby Players, Plays and Players of Philadelphia, Burlington County Footlighters, Bridge Players Theater Company, and Cinnaminson Little Theater. She served on the Board of Directors of the Bridge Players Theater Company and was a volunteer dance instructor for Cinnaminson school students. She was also a Ceili dancer with the South Jersey Irish Society. The stage was one of the many places where her vibrant spirit shone brightest. Born to James Gilmore Hoag and Helen Templeton Hoag, Helen was raised in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, and graduated from St. Alice’s School, West Catholic High School for Girls in Philadelphia, and Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, majoring in English. Later, she was a scholarship recipient and honors graduate from the Charles Morris Price School of Advertising and Journalism on Locust Street in Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Modeling and Charm School. She worked in the media and production department of the Buckley Organization in Center City Philadelphia and was active with the Philadelphia Club for Advertising Women and the Catholic Graphic Arts Group before marrying Frank Charles Strobel, Jr., a young businessman and World War II Marine Corps veteran, on November 9, 1957. On February 17, 1961, they purchased a newly-built residence in the Wellington Park neighborhood of Cinnaminson, where they created an active life filled with excitement, love, and service. Together, they built a home that was always open, welcoming, and full of life. As season ticket holders for both the Philadelphia Eagles and the Philadelphia Flyers, Helen and Frank frequently crossed the bridge to cheer on their beloved teams. On May 19, 1974, they were in the Spectrum stands cheering on the Flyers to a Stanley Cup championship, and they passionately rooted for the Eagles at Super Bowl XV in New Orleans on January 25, 1981. During the summers, the Strobel family vacationed at Stone Harbor, New Jersey, and in December 1980 Helen and Frank purchased a home on the south end of the island, where the family has enjoyed countless memories ever since, with Helen famously bedecked with her Captain’s hat. Stone Harbor became a place of laughter, tradition, and enduring family bonds. During the 1970s, Helen served as a substitute teacher for the Cinnaminson School District, St. Charles Borromeo School, Westfield Friends School, and Moorestown Friends School. After Frank's passing in 1981, Helen re-entered the workforce full-time in the insurance field, working for State Farm agent Ronald H. Green in Marlton until her retirement. She remained active in various social groups, including a local gourmet group, several bridge groups, and a Red Hats group. Her resilience and independence were matched only by her warmth and grace. On top of everything else, Helen volunteered her time for Interfaith Caregivers by providing respite for families raising children with disabilities, and supplying senior citizens with rides to their medical appointments. She noticed those in need—and quietly answered the call. Helen's life was a testament to the power of love, service, and an unyielding zest for life. Her beautiful spirit, kindness, and dedication to others have left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She has been an extraordinary inspiration to her children, grandchildren, and the countless individuals she touched through her personal interactions and community service. In recognition of nearly six decades of tireless community service, Helen received Cinnaminson Township’s Outstanding Citizen Award in January 2018. At that time, the Mayor referred to her as the “Grand Lady of Cinnaminson.” It was a title she carried with humility and grace. Helen’s legacy will forever be remembered as one of love, dedicated service, and a life lived to the fullest. Her example will continue to guide and inspire all who were blessed to know her. Family and friends are invited to gather at Givnish of Cinnaminson, 1200 Route 130 North, on Friday evening, January 30th, from 6 to 8 pm, and on Saturday morning, January 31st, from 9:30 to 10:30 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 2500 Branch Pike, Cinnaminson, NJ, on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 11 am, followed by a brief interment ceremony at Lakeview Memorial Park, 1300 Route 130 North, Cinnaminson, NJ, and a life celebration luncheon to follow. Mass will be livestreamed: https://www.viewlogies.net/givnish/Kubw3BHZy?pin=299154. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Charles Borromeo Church, 2500 Branch Pike, Cinnaminson, NJ 08077. Rest in peace and glory, Helen. You made the world a better place, and your legacy of love and service will live in our hearts forever.

Tributes

Helen Dolores Strobel

August 31, 1930 - January 17, 2026