- Date Of Birth: June 4, 1935
- Date Of Death: October 16, 2021
- State: Pennsylvania
Shirley (Helm) Rupert, of Milford Township, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 16, 2021, at the St. Luke’s Hospice House in Lower Saucon Township. She was 86.
Born June 4, 1935, in Richland Township, she was the daughter of the late Harold Sr. and Helen (Bleam) Helm. She was the wife of Donald F. Rupert and celebrated 64 years of marriage this year.
After completing 10th grade at Quakertown High School, Shirley continued her studies at the Philadelphia Musical Academy. She had an exceptional, God-given singing voice. Shirley sang in church choirs, at weddings, and was a soloist with the Quakertown Band, where she met her husband who played cornet.
Prior to getting married and raising her family, she performed many vocal and acting roles at the Lyric Theater in Allentown with the Municipal Opera Company. Most notably, she starred as Carrie Pipperidge in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Carousel,” which won her a best performance award. She also sang with the Zion Choral Society and the Bach Choir of Bethlehem under the direction of Ifor Jones.
Shirley was a kind, caring, and compassionate person who loved to talk and laugh. She made a positive impact on everyone with whom she came in contact. She was a life-long learner with a passion for reading and education. Most of all, she loved her many friends and family – especially her husband, sons, daughters-in-law, and her precious grandchildren who brought her great pride and joy. Shirley had a deep faith that guided her every day of her life.
Prior to getting married and becoming a full-time mom, she worked at Saul’s Department Store in Quakertown. After her children were grown, she worked as the greenhouse manager at Auckland’s Produce Stand in Quakertown.
Shirley was a longtime member of the First United Church of Christ in Quakertown, as well as the Quakertown Woman’s Club, where she served as vice president and president.
In addition to her husband, Shirley is survived by son Clarke (wife Alisa), of Chalfont, PA; son Bruce (wife Doreen), of Stewartsville, NJ; brother Harold Helm Jr.; brother Robert Helm; brother Richard Helm; and grandchildren Jaclyn, Candace, Christian, and Daniel Rupert.
