Helen Marie (Ryczek) Gerard
Helen Marie (Ryczek) Gerard, age 86, of Uniontown, Pa., passed away peacefully on Thursday evening March 24, 2016 surrounded by her family in the Uniontown Hospital.
She was born on Monday, May 6, 1929 in Woodside, Fayette County, Pa., daughter of the late Vincent Ryczek and Mary (Gewak) Ryczek.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gustave J. Gerard Jr.; brothers, Tom, Felix, John, Frank, and Henry; and sisters, Natalie Minto, Genevieve Zavage, Sophia Hovan; step-grandson, Nathan Keith; and her brother in infancy. William.
Helen was a dedicated member of Saint John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church where she was a member and past President of The Christian Mothers, a Church Greeter and a pen pal to Saint John’s students.
She enjoyed her flower and vegetable gardens and decorating her home, especially her front porch.
She greatly enjoyed being with people and never met anyone that would remain a stranger.
She never missed attending the Annual Pilgrimage at Mount Saint Macrina on Labor Day.
She enjoyed her friends and activities at Senior Life.
She was known to all who knew her as a very classy and beautiful woman.
Helen was proud of her Polish heritage and enjoyed her Polka music, especially on WMBS.
She was baptized and always felt affection at Ss. Cyril Methodius Church in Fairchance, Pa
She will be remembered as a loving mother, dedicated wife, and loving grandmother and great-grandmother.
Her grandchildren were greatly influenced by her and loved her deeply.
Helen is survived by her loving children: Roxanne Davis and her husband Andrew of Evans, Georgia, Daniel “Gus” Gerard and his wife Pam of Uniontown, Pa., Renee Gerard of Oakmont, Pa., Christopher Gerard and his wife Lori of Madison, Ohio, Christine Lawrence and her husband Andrew of Morgantown, West Virginia; grandchildren: Kacie Gerard Baum and husband Matt, Walker Gerard, Gustave Gerard and wife Sarah, Tyler Gerard and wife Abby, Leia Dragunas and husband David, Rachel Gerard, Drew Lawrence, Nicole Lawrence, step-granddaughter Andrea Keith; great-grand children: Adam Gerard, Teagan Gerard, and Crosby Gerard. She is also survived by her loving sister, Margaret Angelini of Jefferson, Pa.; many other nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, and relatives; and many, many friends.
Friends and family will be received in KEZMARSKY FUNERAL HOME, 71 Pennsylvania Avenue, Uniontown, Pa., on Monday, March 28, 2016 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m and on Tuesday morning from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 noon when Parting Prayers will be said.
A Funeral Mass will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Saint John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 50 Jefferson Street, with Rev. Father Ronald L. Simboli as Celebrant.
Interment will follow in Sylvan Heights Cemetery, Uniontown, Pa
The family thanks the staff at the Uniontown Hospital, the staff of Senior Life and her many friends there, and Rev. Father James W. Clark.
Donations may be made in Helen’s name to Saint John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 88 South Pennsylvania Avenue, Uniontown, PA 15401.
“A beautiful life that came to an end, she died as she lived, everyone’s friend. In our hearts a memory will always be kept of one that we love and will never forget.’
www.Kezmarsky FuneralHome.com