Helen Goldstoff

Helen Goldstoff, 94, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 9, 2016, at her home in Lancaster. Helen leaves behind her two twin daughters and their husbands, Judy and John Sugarman, Jan Goldstoff and David Minshall, and several friends and relatives. She had 2 brothers, Martin Levy and Leonard Levy, both deceased. Her beloved husband, Stan, passed away in September 2014 at the age of 98 after 72 years of wedded bliss. Helen was especially fortunate to have had loving next door neighbors, Barbara and Luis Freile and their 2 daughters Alicia and Victoria, for over 40 years. They became close friends to the Goldstoff family and celebrated many family gatherings with them. Helen was born Helen Levy on December 30, 1921 in NYC and grew up in Merrick, Long Island. After she graduated from high school, she attended the Wilfred Academy in NYC and became a hairdresser. At the age of 20 she embarked upon a life-changing adventure, when she took a train from NY to San Antonio, Texas to marry Stan Goldstoff, who was in the military training to be an Air Force bombardier. They moved from base to base before he was sent overseas to fight in the war in Europe. When Stan finally came home after flying 55 missions, they started a family, and had twin daughters. They lived in Connecticut until Stan’s work in the tobacco business brought them to Lancaster in 1963. Helen Goldstoff was a joyful woman and had a wonderful smile for everyone she came in contact with. She believed strongly in family and was a loving mother. She loved cooking, playing golf, bridge, the piano, and volunteering. She was especially active in the temple in Lancaster, Shaarai Shomayim. Helen experienced a long and fulfilling life, living through the Depression, World War II, a career, life in NYC, marriage, and mothering. She will be greatly missed. Her loving spirit and calming nature will live on. The Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Congregation Shaarai Shomayim, 75 East James Street, Lancaster, PA 17602, followed by a service at the gravesite. Shiva will be observed one day only at the home of Helen Goldstoff immediately after the services. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Congregation Shaarai Shomayim, Attn: Rabbi Jack P. Paskoff, 75 E. James Street, Lancaster, PA 17602, or the charity of your choice.