Helen H. Brancazio

It is with deep love and cherished remembrance that we announce the peaceful passing of Helen H. Brancazio, who left this world on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Redstone Highlands in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Helen was 102 years old.

Born May 13, 1922, in New Cumberland, Helen was a daughter of Gregory and Anna Turoff Spilecki and a graduate of New Cumberland High School, Class of 1940. Helen was a lifelong woman of faith and a member of Saint Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church. Her life was a testament to the power of the community. In Burgettstown, PA, Helen organized and developed Cub Scout Pack 62, laying the foundation for young boys to grow into responsible young men.

She tirelessly advocated for education, serving as President of the Hanover School District PTA and breaking barriers as one of the first two women elected to the Burgettstown Area School Board, where she went on to make history as the first woman to serve as president of the board—a role she filled with grace, wisdom, and determination.

Her passion for civic life extended beyond education. Helen was an enthusiastic member of the Paris Garden Club and served as President of the Weirton Women’s Club.

A proud and steadfast Democrat, Helen’s voice was always strong in her convictions, unafraid to stand up for what she believed was right.

Helen’s joys were as vibrant as her public life. She had an eclectic love for music, from the cherished tunes of her youth to the spirited beats of modern rock-and-roll. She relished the simple pleasures: tending to her garden barefoot, nurturing her beloved houseplants, and poring over her vast collection of cookbooks, where she discovered and shared culinary creations, two of which were honored in the beloved Three Rivers Cookbook #3.

Her cooking was an extension of her love, nourishing family, and friends alike.

Helen’s love for the written word, especially fiction, endured through her century of life. An avid reader, she delighted in swapping novels with family and friends, a tradition that kept her mind sharp and her heart connected to those she loved. Even as she celebrated her 100th birthday, she was still turning pages with curiosity and amazement.

One of her greatest joys was gathering family together at Christmas time. Helen led the singing of Polish Christmas carols, a tradition that filled her home with warmth, laughter, and memories that will be cherished for generations.

In addition to her parents, Helen was sadly preceded in death by her husband John Brancazio on March 8, 2015, her brothers Alex, Robert, and Chester Spilecki, and sister Doris Martaus.

Left behind to cherish her memory are her son Phillip (Jalene) Brancazio of Texas, daughters, Victoria ( David) Glass of Apollo, PA., and Angela Brancazio of Harrison City, PA., grandchildren Danielle (Michael) Spencer, Janna Brancazio, Joe (Kelly) Rogers, Richard (Katrina) Glass, Isabelle Glass, and Louisa Glass, great-grandchildren June, Greta, and Victor Glass.

Friends can visit Helen’s family on Thursday, May 1st, from Noon to the time of her 1 pm Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated at St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, 229 California Ave. Weirton, WV.

The Reverend Father Dennis J. Schuelkens will preside.

Interment will take place immediately following her service.

She will be interred with her husband, John, at St. Paul’s Cemetery, Weirton.

Helen’s request for cremation was  honored.

She was cremated at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home Crematory, Weirton.

Donations to Redstone Highlands Benevolent Care Fund, 126 Matthews St., Suite 2800, Greensburg, PA 15601 preferred.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, and the countless lives she touched along her remarkable journey.

Share online condolences at www.grecohertnick.com.
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