Helen "Cookie" V. (Armstrong) Metallo

Helen “Cookie” V. (Armstrong) Metallo

Loved By So Many -

Helen “Cookie” V. (Armstrong) Metallo, age 71, of Mechanicsburg passed on Monday, June 14, 2021, at the stroke of midnight.  Cookie was born on Friday, April 21, 1950, in Mechanicsburg to the late Edward Stewart Armstrong and Dorothy Mae (Clelan) Armstrong.  In addition to her parents, Cookie is preceded in death by her four brothers: Edward Armstrong, Jr., Barry Armstrong, George Armstrong, Jesse Turner, Jr.; and her sister, Frances Peebles.

Cookie’s survivors include her husband of nearly 55 years, Joseph “Joe” Anthony Metallo, Sr.; her two children: Joseph “Joey” A. Metallo, Jr. and wife, Lesia, of Dillsburg, Angela “Angie” Metallo Dietrich and husband, Rick, of Perry Hall, MD; her five grandchildren: Morgan Dietrich, Kevin Dietrich, Jared Metallo, Kara Dietrich, William “Will” Metallo; her three siblings: Dorothy Erickson and husband, Rodney, of Mechanicsburg, Tammy Magaro and husband, Frank, of Camp Hill, Steve Turner of Mechanicsburg; and several nieces and nephews.

Cookie was a member of the American Legion Post #109 Auxiliary and a life member of VFW Memorial Post 6704 Auxiliary, both in Mechanicsburg.  She was also a member of the Mechanicsburg Fire Department and Mechanicsburg VFW Camping Club.  Cookie retired from the Mechanicsburg School District after working as a cook.  Prior to her retirement, she served as a floral designer and manager of the funeral department for Stephenson’s Flowers in Camp Hill for 30 years.  Cookie was an avid Penn State University fan; she and Joe would attend almost every home and away game.  The couple also loved traveling and taking cruises all over the world together.  Whenever Cookie was taking it easy and relaxing, she could be found with a thriller novel in her hand, usually one by Stephen King, Dean Koontz, or James Patterson.  If it wasn’t that, she was eagerly thumbing through the latest copy of People Magazine.  Above all else, family was the most important thing to her.  Cookie absolutely adored her grandchildren; she loved spoiling and spending time with them.

All are welcome to join Cookie’s family at her viewing on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at 1:00 p.m. at Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Celebrant Elizabeth M. Dolan officiating.  Cookie’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at Buhrig’s Gathering Place (next to the funeral home) immediately following the service.  Over 100 parking spaces are available; just look for the “Buhrig” parking signs in all of our parking lots.  Honored to be pallbearers are: Frankie Cutrie, Kevin Dietrich, Damon Duncan, David Heckard, Jared Metallo, and William Metallo.  Cremation was private.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to celebrate Cookie’s life with a memorial contribution can make them to Speranza Animal Rescue, 1216 Brandt Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, www.speranzarescue.org/ways-to-help.

Cookie’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Cookie’s full obituary, view her memorial video and portrait, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign her official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.