Helen Agnes Schriver Zandt went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. She was 86 years old.
Born on Oct. 22, 1939 in Cannonsville to William and Phoebe Schriver, Helen remained in the area all her life.
On April 18, 1959, she married the love of her life, Hans Henry Zandt, at the Rock Royal Methodist Church in Rock Royal. The marriage lasted 63 years and produced five children.
Helen is survived by sons William August, Jeffrey Charles, Robert Karl (Phillip Horan) and daughter-in-law Susan Schaffer Zandt; seven grandchildren: Bradley, Paul (Kaitlyn), Philip (Stephanie), Andrea, Jessie (Derik), Travis (Ellery), and Trevor, along with 17 great-grandchildren that were the apples of her eye; brothers-in-law August (Rachael)and Robert (Diana), sisters-in-law Margaret (Gary), Sharon (Terry), and Dorothy.
She was predeceased by husband Hans, son John (Hans Henry Jr.), infant daughter Sandra Helen, parents William and Phoebe Backus, in-laws August and Hedwig Zandt, along with brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, cousins and family friends on both her and Hans’s side of the families.
Helen’s life was marked by her deep commitment to family, faith and community. Helen started her career as a secretary. After marrying and working on raising their family, she enjoyed a successful career with their food concessions, the Kozy Korner, for over 40 years at the Lambrecht Auction Barn and Aikens Auctions, along with others. Most notably was their hard ice cream and strawberry shortcake tent at the Delaware County Fair for over 30 years.
Helen was a proud historian of the Rock Royal and Cannonsville areas, having authored two notable books that enriched the narrative and preserved the local heritage. Her passion for history was matched by her civic engagement, exemplified by her role as a dedicated 4-H leader along with her church service, contributing years of service nurturing the next generations.
A devout Christian, Helen was known for her unwavering faith, most recently with the Northfield Community Church. Helen was the treasurer for many years and headed up their Missionary Mission programs.
Helen found joy in simple pleasures, enjoying Christmas with family and friends, gardening in the sunlight, relaxing with nature and Hans in their backyard and curling up with a good book in front of the fireplace. For over a decade, she shared her insights with the community as a columnist for The Deposit Courier, writing essays that reflected her life experiences and wisdom.
Her legacy of love, community involvement and passionate spirit will be honored during visitation services to be held on Friday, Nov. 28 from 5-7 p.m. at Hennessey’s Funeral Home, 78 2nd Street, Deposit, and Saturday, Nov. 29 from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. at Northfield Community Church, 5116 county Highway 23, Walton.
