Helen E. Opet
November 4, 1930 ~ July 5, 2017
Helen E. Opet, 86, of Weirton, WV died Wednesday, July 5, 2017, at Valley Hospice in Steubenville, OH.
Born November 4, 1930 in Bethlehem, PA, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Eva Borda Toth. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Joseph E. Opet; daughter in law Pegeen Dolan Opet; son in law, Glenn (Rusty) Kidd; brothers Louie, Joseph, Steve and John Shivek, Alex and Frank Toth, Jr.; sister Julia Klusick and brother in law Santo Gubitti.
Prior to coming to Weirton, Helen and her twin sister Irma sewed silk parachutes to support the war effort during WWII. She also worked at the Just Born Candy Factory in Bethlehem, which is the maker of ‘PEEPS”. Once relocating to Weirton, she worked in the laundry department at the Weirton Geriatric Center. She enjoyed bingo, golf, bowling, sewing and was an avid reader of history, especially WWII. Helen was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. She will be remembered and loved by all who knew her. Her family will miss her dearly but will have their memories to keep her alive in their hearts.
She is survived by her sons Stephen J. Opet (Ilene) of Fayetteville, NC, and Charles J. Opet (Heather) of Meadville, PA; and daughter Donna Kidd of Weirton; sisters Mary Fox, Irene Donchez and twin sister Irma Nagey, all of Bethlehem, PA; granddaughters Emma and Charlotte Opet, both of Meadville; sisters in law Irene Pizzoferratto of Steubenville and Mary Gubitti of Weirton.
Visitation will be held Saturday, July 22, 2017, from 2 until the 3 PM funeral service at Greco Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton, WV. Father Joseph M. Konikattil will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 122 South High Street, Morgantown, WV 26501.
THE OPET FAMILY — please accept my condolences on the passing of your mom. i had not seen anything on date/time until a few minutes ago when i researched, assuming the viewing would be today and tomorrow, then funeral rites, but i understand the need to expedite too. i apologize fr my inability to drive down to see you in this time of my shared sorrow for your loss, but also joy in the knowledge of her everlasting peace. reading her obituary i was moved to learn she sewed ‘chutes during
WW2 — something i was unaware of and that is, i’m certain, a source of pride for both you, CJ, and your extended families and sister. although i only met her once or twice i know she meant the world to both of you — you were good sons to a great mother. these are times to recall the many years of joy and happiness as well as the challenges all families share in this life, and through such sharing — strength. i know you both have many to remember. i realize you will be busy but please commo me if there is time to meet fr a toast in her honor.
Steve and i met in 1986 when we were serving in the army reserve, and our mutual interest in the fine arts fostered a few exhibits together, although my ability could never match that of Steve’s, whom i consider to be the best line and caricature artist i’ve ever known. stay strong and celebrate the many years of happy occasions you had together with her. Steve and i remain closely tied as veterans and always brothers in arms for our nation. i am happy that both Steve and CJ have so much love in their lives now to sustain and support you during this time. again, my sincere sympathy for your loss.
jack gordon
Steve and family: I am so sorry to hear of your recent loss. MOM’s are so special to us. From reading her obituary, she was a very busy woman all her life! God really has taken another Angel. May God watch over all of you during this painful time.
Steve: It’s been years but I wish saying Hi! wasn’t on these terms. Take care my friend.
Glenna Whitehead
DONNA AND FAMILY,OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.YOUR FRIENDS FROM CAROLYNS FLORIST ,CAROLYN,BILL,MELANY