Helen M. Archer

HELEN M. ARCHER, age 101, of Bel Air, died in Mariner Health of Bel Air on December 13, 2002. Born in Wheel, Maryland, she was the daughter of the late Albert Stanley and Bessie Swartz Magness. A resident of Harford County for approximately 40 years, she started out in the restaurant business and at one time owned and managed five apartment houses in Baltimore. She retired at the age of 99, when she closed the sale of two apartment houses on January 19th. The title company manager said, “She was his oldest client who could still think.” When asked what contributed to her longevity, she said, “hard work.” She has always been focused on the present and not the past. She is interested in politics and enjoys watching football and baseball. Her family said she has been an outstanding grandmother and has always taken an active interest in the lives of her children and grandchildren.

Mrs. Archer is survived by two daughters, Regina Young Haslbeck of Bel Air, and Anna V. Whitaker of Kemp, Texas. She is also the cherished grandmother of Jody Guercio Murphy of Phoenix, Arizona, Regina Guercio Hall of Seattle, Washington, Paul William Guercio of Bel Air, Delbert Archer Whitaker; and Lance Albert Whitaker of Dallas, Texas. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mountain Christian Church, 1824 Mountain Road, Joppa, MD 21085.