Helen Gohsler

OBITUARY

Helen Gohsler, a longtime resident of Scranton, PA, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2026. Her 95 years were filled with purpose, dedication, and love.

Born on September 10, 1930, Helen was one of eight children of Joseph and Anna (Russo) Emmi. She was raised in Clarks Summit and often shared fond memories of growing up on the family farm. After graduating from Scott High School in 1948, Helen worked at the Globe Store in Scranton. She married Richard Gohsler in 1957 and continued working untilthe birth of her first child.

While raising her three children, Helen also devoted herself to serving her community. She served for many years as President of the PTA while her children attended local schools, volunteered for 17 years with the Pennsylvania Association for the Blind, and dedicated 44 years to building and growing the Scranton Chapter of Pennsylvanians for Human Life. Initially in a public relations role, she later served as Chapter President for 37 years, retiring in 2019 at the remarkable age of 89.

In recognition of her lifelong service, Helen received numerous honors, including honorary membership in the University of Scranton’s honor society and the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Lifetime Achievement Award. The Helen Gohsler Humanitarian Award was established in her honor and is awarded annually to an outstanding community member contributing to the pro-life movement in Scranton.

Helen found great joy in bringing people together. She loved hosting family gatherings and was known for her cooking – especially her lasagna – along with her homemade pies and Christmas cookies. An avid photographer and traveler, she made many cherished trips to Hawaii, as well as trips across the United States, the Caribbean, and Italy.

Helen is survived by her son, Steven Gohsler, M.D., and his wife, Jane Ikeda; her daughter, Nancy Gohsler Kinahan, and her husband, William Kinahan; and five grandchildren: Eric, Daniel, Rebecca, Julie, and Brian. She was predeceased by her husband, Richard Gohsler; her daughter, Anne Marie Gohsler Harvey; and her seven siblings: Joseph, John, Peter, Concetta, and Lucia Emmi, Virginia Calianno, and Marian Anzaroot.

The funeral will be conducted Friday from the Solfanelli-Fiorillo Funeral Home Inc., 1030 N. Main Ave., Scranton with Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am in Mary, Mother of God Parish at Holy Rosary Church, 316 William St., Scranton. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery. Family and friends may pay their respects Thursday from 5-7 pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that any donations be made to Pennsylvanians for Human Life or the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

Please visit the funeral home website to leave an online condolence.

Helen Gohsler

April 30, 2026