Helen A. Laudenschlager of Emmaus died peacefully in her sleep at Luther Crest of Allentown early on the morning of Monday, March 30. Helen was born on May 7, 1920 in the Broad Street Hotel in Emmaus. She is the daughter of Andrew Jagnesak and Mary Sagat. At that time her father owned the hotel. During her childhood, the family moved to 4th and Broad Streets, where her father opened Emaus Bottling Works. The Jagnesak family attended St. Ann's Catholic Church in Emmaus. Helen graduated from Emmaus High School in 1938, and from Penn State with a B.S. degree in 1942. For four years she taught Home Economics in public schools in eastern PA. On July 4, 1944, she married Foster S. Laudenschlager of Emmaus. They were married 54 years until Foster's death in 1999. Helen and Foster 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 that Helen picked out herself on trips to the garment district of New York City. From 1963 through 1982, Helen operated a licensed preschool at the same address. Years later many of her former students and their families sought her out to thank her for the impact she had. Helen and Foster retired after 1982 to their little house on Siesta Key in Sarasota, Florida. There they connected with a wide circle of Emmaus friends and retirees. Helen got her Florida teaching certificate and volunteered in the public schools helping children with reading difficulties. One year she was named Outstanding Senior Volunteer of the Year in Sarasota schools. Some of the things Helen loved were choosing stylish women's clothing, entertaining friends and neighbors, playing bridge, helping children to read, keeping warm in Florida during the winter months, and watching the birds and deer at her little house in the woods of Salisbury Township during the summer months. While Helen was back in Emmaus in recent years, she was also happy to share lots of historical records and photographs with the Emmaus Historical Society. Helen was predeceased by her husband Foster in 1999, and by her older brother Anthony (Tony) and her old sister Ernestine (Jackie). Helen is survived by her son Douglas in Seattle and her daughter Anne in Emmaus. Arrangement are being handled by Schantz Funeral Home of Emmaus. A private graveside service will be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Helen's memory to the Emmaus Historical Society, 563 Chestnut Street, Emmaus, PA 18049.