Helen A. (Jagnesak) Laudenschlager, of Emmaus, died peacefully in her sleep at Luther Crest of Allentown March 30, 2015. She was the wife of the late Foster S. Laudenschlager who died in 1999. They were married for 54 years. Born in the Broad Street Hotel in Emmaus, she was the daughter of Andrew Jagnesak and Mary Sagat. At that time her father owned the hotel. During her childhood, the family moved to Fourth and Broad streets, where her father opened Emaus Bottling Works.

The Jagnesak family attended St. Ann Catholic Church, Emmaus.

She graduated from Emmaus High School in 1938 and from Penn State with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1942. For four years she taught home economics in public schools in eastern Pennsylvania.

She and her husband moved to 312 Main Street in Emmaus, where she opened the Helen Foster Shoppe from 1946 through 1963. The shop carried distinctive women's wear she picked out herself on trips to the garment district of New York City. From 1963 through 1982, she operated a licensed preschool at the same address.

She and her husband retired after 1982 to their little house on Siesta Key in Sarasota, Fla. There they connected with a wide circle of Emmaus friends and retirees. She got her Florida teaching certificate and volunteered in the public schools. One year she was named "Outstanding Senior Volunteer of the Year" in Sarasota schools.

She loved choosing stylish women's clothing, entertaining friends and neighbors, playing bridge, helping children to read, watching the birds and deer at her little house in the woods of Salisbury Township. In recent years, she shared lots of historical records and photographs with the Emmaus Historical Society.

She is survived by a son, Douglas, of Seattle and daughter, Anne, of Emmaus. She was predeceased by her brother Anthony (Tony) and sister, Ernestine (Jackie).

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Emmaus Historical Society, 563 Chestnut St., Emmaus, 18049.

Arrangements were made by the Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., Emmaus.