Helen Frances (Kamp) Loeber, 87

LEWES - Helen Frances (Kamp) Loeber died peacefully Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2007, at Beebe Medical Center, Lewes, following an unexpected short term illness. She was 87.

Born Sept. 10, 1920, in Columbus, Ohio, to the late Charles F. and Georgia E. (Anderson) Kamp, she spent her childhood years growing up in Crafton, Pa.

Following her marriage to her late husband, John Stuart Loeber, she found many cities throughout the United States and Europe her home as her late husband served a distinguished 30-year military career.

Most notable in the many homes she provided her family were those in Crafton, Indianapolis, Washington, D.C. and lastly, Bethany Beach, where she lived since 1977.

Mrs. Loeber was preceded in death by her sister, Marjorie (Kamp) Bennett of Philadelphia.

She is survived by five children, John and Luann (Habermeyer) Loeber of Travelers Rest, S.C., Michael and Angela (Castro) Loeber of Bonita Springs, Fla., Gretchen Loeber of Indianapolis, James and Judith (Showell) Loeber of Millsboro and Stephen and Mary Elizabeth (Loeber) Murray of Bethany Beach; and was dearly loved by her 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Loeber was the family linchpin and ensured there was always a home for her children and her children's children. She possessed that rare quality that transcended parent to best friend.

A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday in St. Ann's Catholic Church, 691 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach.

Interment service will be held at Arlington (Va.) National Cemetery, alongside her late husband, at a date yet to be determined.

Instead of flowers, contributions in Helen's memory may be sent to Delaware Hospice, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947; or Casa San Francisco, P.O. Box 40, Milton, DE 19968.

Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services of Ocean View.