Helen M. Schick

Helen M.  Schick "Zippy" passed away peacefully at home on May 6, 2020 after courageously battling various cancers for many years. She was surrounded by her loving family.  She is the beloved daughter of the late Skip and Betty (nee Keifer ) Schick and daughter in law of Leonard and Barbara Knobbs. Devoted mother of Heather (James "KB, Slim Jim"), Jeff (Colleen), Lenny (Marissa), and Jenny (Pete). Longtime companion of the late John Shaver. Loving Mom-Mom of David, Britnee, Jared, Jake, Juliana, Ryan, Lennie Marie, Ethan, Nathan, Lil Ryan "Weasel", and great grandmother of Curissa "Lil Zip". Also grandmother to her grandpups Pork Chop, Chewy, Brody, Finn, Max, Hulk, Princess, Chase, Bear , Rex and Bailey.  Dear sister and "Peanut" to Skip (Debbie), Joe (Bernadette), Mary (Ellis), Cathy, and  the late Betty.  Sadly missed by the Knobbs family.  Survived by her many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Cherished Buttercup to her friends. 

Although tiny in stature, Helen had a heart and soul that was larger than life. She was the rock that held her family up whenever they needed her, although she would tell you that her kids and grandkids were the one's who kept her going (both were very true). She was strong willed and feisty and a hard worker. She worked for many years as a bartender for Luke's bar  and when the bar was robbed, in true Helen fashion ,she chased the person when they tried to get away (that person did not succeed). She was loyal to her people until you gave her reason not to be and no one could tell her what to do. She was known as the Bow lady in the neighborhood and worked on an honor system, leaving her beautiful bows on display for people to help themselves and leave payment. On the rare occasion that they did not, she would simply say "they needed it more than I did". She was so generous and kind and simple. Although she was not a wealthy person and had to care for her own kids, she made sure to send her monthly donation to St. Jude Foundation for childhood cancer research.   When Helen was diagnosed with cancer, she was given 6 months to live. She surpassed this and was with her family for nine years, fighting multiple illnesses, all the while making sure everyone was taken care of. She was no quitter and she never complained. While battling her health , her kids, grandkids, extended family and her many friends could always count on her for a check in with encouraging words either in person or on Facebook.  Helen was truly one of the most selfless people you could meet who devoted her time and talent to others, especially her family.  She loved to visit the campground with them and spent time building campfires, drinking her whiskey, and fishing.  When she took time for herself (very seldom) she loved to visit the Sugarhouse casino and play her bonus machine. She would get so excited when she hit the Odubels. She will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her. 

Relatives and friends are invited to gather and celebrate her life July 18, 2020 beginning at 9:30am in St. Anne Church (lower) 2328 E. Lehigh Avenue Philadelphia PA 19125. Funeral Mass 10:30am. Due to the current health crisis surrounding Covid-19, face masks and social distancing are required. 

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