Helen M. Volsko

Helen M. Volsko, 98, died Friday afternoon, April 15, 2016 at Hampton Woods Nursing Center.

Helen was born January 21, 1918 in Erskine Quarry, PA, a daughter of Joseph and Julia Bucci Flora.

A lifelong area resident, Helen was a graduate of Lowellville High School. She was first employed by Isaly's in Youngstown and then for Sharon Steel Hoop as a welder to help with the war efforts during World War II. While working at Sharon Steel Hoop, she met Michael T. Volsko, Jr. and they were married on April 30, 1949. In addition to becoming a dedicated homemaker, Helen continued working as a short order cook for Strouss, retiring after 15 years.

She was a longtime member of St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church, the Eastside Needle Club, Lowellville Senior Citizens, and the Mt. Carmel Society. Some of her favorite pastimes included traveling, trips to Mountaineer Casino, and cheering on the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indians, and especially her favorite players Lebron James and Omar Vizquel. With a huge smile on her face, Helen had the pleasure of meeting Omar Vizquel in person several years ago.

Helen also enjoyed cooking and everyone looked forward to her delicious wedding soup and spaghetti sauce. She delighted in gatherings with family and friends and loved telling them stories, especially about her travels overseas. Helen also had a deep love for animals and enjoyed the many years of faithful companionship from her dog, Blue, before her passing in 1994.

Her husband, Michael, of 34 years, preceded her in death on December 24, 1983. She is survived by her children, Michael T. Volsko, III and Deborah Volsko, with whom she made her home; a brother, Joe (Eileen) Flora of Struthers; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Helen was preceded in death by a sister, Ann Demain; and three brothers, Ted, Anthony, and Frank Flora.

Family and friends will be received on Monday from 5-8 p.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 270 N. Main St., Poland, where a Parastas service will be held on Monday at 6 p.m.

A prayer service will be held on Tuesday at 9:15 a.m. at the funeral home followed by Divine Liturgy at 10 a.m. at St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church. Interment will be at St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church Cemetery.

Helen's family would like to express their appreciation and thank Dr. Santuccio Ricciardi, Hampton Woods, and Hospice of the Valley for their kind and compassionate care they gave to Helen. They would also like to thank all of their special family, friends, and Rose, Vince, and Elaine Carchedi and Monica, Gina, Jeremy and kids, who have made Helen's last years so special.

Memorial tributes may take the form on contributions in Helen's name to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Boardman, Ohio 44512 or the donor's favorite animal charity.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to leave condolences for the family.