HARSAN, Helen Patricia Gosztyla, 90, of Benwood, beloved wife, daughter, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, died peacefully Tuesday, October 14, 2008 in Peterson Rehabilitation Hospital, Wheeling, with her daughter and son by her side.
Helen was born February 4, 1918 in Wheeling, a daughter of the late Joseph P. and Anna Borak Gosztyla. She was a member of St. Johns Catholic Church, Benwood; the Rosary Altar Society at St. Johns; the Catholic Daughters of America and the V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary. She was also a former employee of Wheeling Stamping and enjoyed gardening.
In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph P. Harsan; two brothers, Frank and Walter Gosztyla; and a sister-in-law, Mary Harsan Zilka.
Helen is survived by her son, John “Jack” Harsan of Wheeling/Benwood; her daughter, Jolene Petras of Broomall, Pa.; four sisters, Nellie Yourkovich, Mary Tysko and Virginia Ryan, all of Wheeling, and Josephine Stephens of Scottsdale, Ariz.; four grandchildren; Lori Ann Carano Bill of Broomall, Pa., Richard Petras, II Dorraine of Santa Clarita, Calif., Ronald Petras Kristina of Coatesville, Pa., and Randall Petras Debra of Douglassville, Pa.; eleven great-grandchildren, Richard III, Katie, Julia and Michael Petras, Billy and Krista Carano, Anthony, Steven, Robert and Joseph Petras, and R.J. Petras; and several loving nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received from and 2-4 and 6-9 pm, Friday at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 1400 Eoff Street, Wheeling, where a vigil service will be held at 3 pm.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am, Saturday, October 18, 2008 at St. Johns Catholic Church, Benwood, with the Rev. Joseph Hayden, S.J. as celebrant. Interment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Wheeling.
Dear Aunt Helen,
How I cherished my summer visits with you and Uncle Joe and Jack. They were the highlight of my year! You were always wonderful to all of the Ryan Clan. Thank you for all the great food, all the car trips during Christmas vacation to everyone’s homes, and thank you for the love and laughs. My time with you in Benwood lives in my heart for all times. With much love and sadness, Janet
Dear Jolene & Jack
Our deepest sympathies on the loss of your mother. Helen was such a great sister and aunt and we will miss her very much.
May God Bless You,
Mary, JoAnne and John
DEAR JOLENE,JACK
AND FAMILIES
WE SEND OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO ALL, WITH THE LOSS OF YOUR MOTHER. WE HAVE SO MANY FOND MEMORIES OF YOUR MOM AND DAD. THEY WERE A BEAUTIFUL COUPLE. GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILIES, AS GOD WELCOMES YOUR MOTHER TO HEAVEN.
SINCERELY
LARRY AND BECKY
FERRERA
Helen will be greatly missed, she was a wonderful woman. Our condolences to her family.
-The McDonald Family
Marty, Marisa, Maverick and Marleigh
I am so sorry that I did not make it to your mother’s wake. I didn’t read the newspaper until this evening, and did not know that she had died.
Your mother was always a most gracious lady, and I was quite fond of her.
I know how difficult it is to go through the years of caring for and then the passing of a beloved parent. Even now, after it being twelve years since I could have a conversation with my Mom, and almost four years since her death, I find myself seeing something really interesting and thinking, “I have to tell Mom about this.” The consolation is in the fact that although she is no longer around, I am sure she still hears me and is much happier where she is.
My thoughts and condolences are with you. Take care.
I remember always going by your parents home and seeing the beautiful flowers and them always saying hi to me whenver I went by. Very nice people.
It has been many a year since I have seen anyone from your family, but when I saw Mrs. Harsan’s name in the paper, the sadness was overwhelmed with a flood of warm childhood memories. I remember the beautiful flowers all around the house; the vegetable man who used to stop by in the old truck; the warm greeting Mr. Harsan always had for me, but most of all, I remember that your family showed me kindness, warmth, and friendship. I pray that the grieving period for you all is fastly replaced by the warm and loving memories Mrs. Harsan has left in use all; a truely wonderful woman. I send my respect and prayers to you all.
With the warmest of memories,
George Berlenge
Jack, I am so sorry to hear the news. You were always so good to your mother, and knowing you took such good care of her should provide you with great peace. I am sorry that I will not be there Friday or Saturday because I have to be out of town all weekend, but please know that I will have you in my thoughts and prayers. She was a very special lady, and I know you will miss her terribly. Let me know if there’s anything I can do.
Jack, Jim and I want to express our deepest sympathy for the loss of your mom. Hope you are doing well.
Jack, Jolene and Family,
I am sorry I didn’t make it to the wake of your mother. I was out of the area from the 16th to the 24th for David’s wedding. I was going through the newspapers today and just found out. I know this must be a difficult time for you & my prayers an thoughts are with you. Your parents were wonderful neighbors for many years and part of the many childhood memories growing up in Benwood.
Senor,
Your mother was a woman full of class, humor and most of all love…may fond memories that you shared with her help you through this difficult time.
sincerely
jared
What a wonderful Aunt you were! I have FOND memories of your happy smile and great personality. You will be missed, but now you are with your dear husband!!