Jean L. Kiddish

Jean L. Kiddish, 78, a beloved mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Lehigh Valley Hospital Hazleton Campus in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. She resided on Kline Street in Weatherly, Pennsylvania.

Born in Hazleton on Tuesday, December 3, 1946, Jean was the daughter of the late William and Annabelle (Rimshaw) Helker. Jean was also predeceased by; by her loving husband of 53 years, Francis S. Kiddish; sons, Jonathan M. and Michael E. Kiddish; twin sister, Joan L. Sorrels; brother, Merritt D. Helker; and grandson, Kyle D. Kiddish.

Jean was a devoted member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Weatherly. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures: gardening, bowling, and cooking excellent meals for her loved ones. A 1964 graduate of Weatherly High School Jean had worked at Tung-Sol as a line operator prior to attending The Computer and I.B.M. School of Allentown where she trained as an I.B.M. Key Punch Operator. After completing her training, Jean worked for the Department of the Navy in Washington D.C. as a secretary for Special Operations. Upon her return home to Weatherly, Jean worked at Erdmans Dairy as a secretary, RCA of Mountain Top, before dedicating her career to caring for others, retiring as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) from the former Weatherwood Nursing Home of Weatherly after 20 years of service. 

Above all, Jean cherished her roles as a wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, prioritizing time spent with her family.

Jean is survived by her son, Steven A. Kiddish; her brother, William Helker and his wife Carol; her sister, Margaret "Peg" Jancewicz; her grandchildren, Dillion and Brianna; and her daughter-in-law, Lee Ann Kiddish, as well as many nieces and nephews. Her warm presence and nurturing spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Philip J. Jeffries Funeral home & Cremation Services of 211 First Street Weatherly Pennsylvania 18255. (570) 427-4231

A Celebration of Jean's Life will be held on Saturday December 13, 2025 at 11 o'clock A.M. from Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church 335 Third Street Weatherly, Pennsylvania 18255. Friends and family may call in church from 10:00 A.M. until time of services.

Private Interment will be in Union Cemetery Weatherly, Pennsylvania.

Online condolences or a fond memory of Jean may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com