Helene Emlen, 86, formerly of Chestnut Hill, a real estate agent and proprietor of the former Candle Shop in Chestnut Hill, died March 8 at Abington Hospital.

Mrs. Emlen was a Realtor with Emlen & Co., Real Estate (now Berkshire Hathaway), in Chestnut Hill from 1975 to 2006. The firm was founded by her father-in-law, George W. Emlen Jr., in 1922.

Mrs. Emlen opened the Candle Shop – one of the first shops specializing in candles – in 1958 at 8432 Germantown Ave. The shop changed owners several times before closing in 2011.

After moving from New Jersey to Ambler in the 1970s, Mrs. Emlen ran for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 151st Legislative District, but was defeated by the incumbent.

Before her marriage, she had worked for Jacob Reed's Sons, a men's clothing store in Center City Philadelphia.

She was a “member emeritus” of St. Christopher's Children's Hospital board of visitors, a member of the Germantown Garden Club, participating for several years in the Philadelphia Flower Show, and a member of the Penllyn Swim Club.

She is survived by daughters Elizabeth Emlen, Sarah Besterman and Madeline Dvanovski; a son, James Emlen Jr., and seven grandchildren. Mrs. Emlen's husband, James Emlen, and brothers, James and Jack McNichol, preceded her in death.

A memorial service will be held in the spring. Memorial donations may be made to Awbury Arboretum, 1 Awbury Rd., Philadelphia, PA 19138. – WF