Helen Sevel Friedman, born in Pittsburgh on Nov. 14, 1920, died in State College Friday, Feb. 19, 2010.
The daughter of Harry J. Sevel and Rose Fineman Sevel, Helen came to State College in 1938 to attend Penn State and completed her degree in 1942 in elementary education. While at Penn State, she met her husband, Sidney, and they were married July 31, 1942. He preceded her in death on April 4, 2009.
Helen and Sidney were active philanthropists for the community and Penn State. They established endowments for Pennsylvania Centre Stage, Palmer Museum of Art, Center for Performing Arts, Renaissance Scholarship Fund, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, WPSX and the College of Education. Additionally, they donated the land and building for the State Theatre, now a performing arts venue for the community.
Helen was a volunteer for Schlow Library, American Red Cross and Centre Community Hospital. She was also a charter member of Congregation Brit Shalom.
She is survived by two sons, Ronald M. and Edward A. Friedman, both of Boalsburg, and their spouses, Susan and Charlene; and five grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the State Theatre.
Friends will be received from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21, 2010, at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College. A private funeral will be held at the convenience of the family.