Obituary of Helen R. Markovich

MARKOVICH – Helen R., 98, of Nanty Glo, passed away peacefully October 14, 2018 at home. Born August 22, 1920 in the Lincoln section of Nanty Glo, daughter of the late John Felix and Mary Sophia (Gondek) Kohute. Last surviving member of her immediate family, she was preceded in death by her husband Frank Markovich; sisters: Anna Cocho, Catherine Monfordini, Mary Morton, and Virginia Mari; and brothers: John and Michael Kohute. Survived by children: Mary Frances Setz, Melissa Miller, Michaela Markovich and Francis John Markovich, all of Nanty Glo; grandchildren: Kristin Borlie (Ernie Sekerak); Jason (Simone) Setz; and great grandchildren: Alivia Borlie, Zander Sekerak, Isaac Setz and another on the way in January. Also special nieces: Michele Tauriello; Jackie Schmidt, Francesca Crispino, and Christina Tedesco; nephew, Donald (Debbie) Saghy; numerous nieces and nephews; sister-in-law Josephine Kohute, of Philadelphia and special friends, the Bednar family. A life-long member of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Helen was a member of the Altar-Rosary Society, the Legion of Mary and a founding member of the former St. Mary’s Home and School Association. She was active on the many festival committees, especially the bake sale booth. A devout Catholic, she was very faithful in praying the rosary and attending mass on a daily basis. Helen retired as Administrative Secretary at the Blacklick Valley School District, with over 36 years of service. Previous to the school, she had served as a secretary in the office of the former Heisley Coal Mine, where she ultimately met her husband. Special thanks is extended to the caring staff of 365 Hospice, Mary Ann, Shana, and Annalee; Conemaugh Home Health, and the Blacklick Valley Ambulance Association. Friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Askew-Houser Funeral Homes, Inc., Nanty Glo, where a vigil prayer service will be held. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday at St. Mary’s Church, the Rev. Fr. Leonard Voytek, and Rev. Fr. David Peles, con-celebrants. Interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen’s memory may be made to St. Mary’s Church. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” 2 Timothy 4:5-8