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Helen L. Dgien, 91, of Williamsport, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 6, 2026, at Valley View Rehab and Nursing Home, surrounded by her loving family.
Born January 24, 1935 in Muncy, she was the daughter of the late Jacob and Elsie (Gray) Poust.
On July 21, 1956, Helen married the love of her life, Anthony R. "Tony" Dgien, Sr. Their marriage was a testament to enduring love, devotion, and partnership, spanning nearly 70 years before Tony's passing on March 19, 2026.
Helen is survived by her four children, Ronald "Ron" Dgien (Ann) of Spring Hill, Tenn., Patricia "Patty" Taylor of Williamsport, Christina "Tina" Carter (Ray) of Montoursville, and Anthony "Tony" Dgien, Jr. (Vickie) of Muncy.
She was a proud and loving "Mimi" to her ten grandchildren, David (Kia), Amy (Travis), Brian, Lindsay, Michael (Nikki), Nicole, Jacob (Kiley), Rebecca (Nicholas), Hannah, and Sarah; and four great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Aurora, Isaac, and Silas. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Vonnie Poust and Carol Poust, along with many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, Helen was preceded in death by her two brothers, Earl Poust and Donald Poust; and son-in-law, Lonnie Taylor.
Helen was a proud graduate of Muncy High School, Class of 1952. The friendships she formed during those years remained an important part of her life, as she continued gathering monthly with her classmates and lifelong friends until 2024.
Following graduation, Helen began her working career as a bookkeeper at Bryfogle's Greenhouse in Muncy. After marrying Tony, she fondly recalled how he "bought her a pair of shoes and moved her to the big city of Williamsport." There, she continued her career in the floral industry, working as a floral arranger for Gene Smith Florist and Carriage House Florist. She later joined Acme Markets, where she served as an office manager until her retirement.
Helen will be remembered for her extraordinary generosity, compassion, and unwavering dedication to her family, friends, and community. She had a genuine desire to help others, always giving freely of her time and talents without expecting anything in return.
In 1985, Helen was instrumental in establishing the Newberry Lioness Club, serving as a charter member and its inaugural president. She later served as treasurer and remained an active and devoted member until the club dissolved in 2021. Throughout her 36 years of service as a Lioness, Helen enthusiastically participated in countless charitable activities and community projects. Whether making funnel cakes, selling water yoyos, organizing HOPE Christmas parties, volunteering at Camp Victory, collecting aluminum tabs to benefit Ronald McDonald House, or helping with the annual beautification of Newberry Square, Helen could always be counted on to lend a helping hand. Her dedication and leadership were recognized with numerous honors, including the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, Pennsylvania Fellow recognition, and Lioness of the Year.
Helen's commitment to serving others extended well beyond the Lioness Club. She generously volunteered her time assisting with vision screenings for the Blind Association, transporting individuals for Leader Dogs, working bingo at St. Joseph the Worker Parish, helping at Original Little League concessions, ushering at the Community Arts Center, and participating in the Williamsport Area School District's elementary reading program. She was also a dedicated blood donor with the American Red Cross, reaching the remarkable milestone of 15 gallons donated over her lifetime.
Helen's faith was an important part of her life, providing a foundation for the kindness, compassion, honesty and generosity she extended to others. A devoted member of St. Joseph the Worker Parish, she lived her faith not only through her devotion to the Church but also through her lifelong commitment to serving those around her.
When she wasn't volunteering, Helen enjoyed gardening, floral arranging, traveling with friends, and family vacations to the beach. Above all, she treasured time spent with her children and grandchildren. Her home was a place filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories, affectionately earning the nickname "the land of yes" from her grandchildren. It was a fitting reflection of a grandmother whose greatest joy was making those she loved happy.
Helen's legacy is one of kindness, generosity, service, and unconditional love. Her impact on her family and community will continue to be felt through the countless lives she touched and the memories she leaves behind.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Valley View Rehab and Nursing Home, especially those on the 300 wing, for the loving and compassionate care they provided Helen.
A viewing will be held on Friday, November 13th from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Sanders Mortuary, 821 Diamond St., Williamsport.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 14th at St. Joseph the Worker Parish, 720 W. Fourth St., Williamsport, PA 17701. Burial to follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Montoursville, with a luncheon afterward at the Fleming Parish Center.
Memorial contributions may be made in Helen's name to Camp Victory, 58 Camp Victory Road, Millville, PA 17846 or St. Joseph the Worker Parish at the address provided above.
Online condolences may be shared on Helen's memorial page at www.SandersMortuary.com.