Visitation:
202 W. Maple Street Willard OH 44890 1/23/2015 10:00:00
Service:
202 W. Maple Street Willard OH 44890 1/23/2015 11:00:00
Helen Popa, age 89, of Willard, died Thursday, January 15, 2015 at Hillside Acres Nursing after a long illness. Helen was born May 10, 1926 in Willard, Ohio the daughter of the late Nick and Pauline (Purcee) Costein. She was a graduate of Willard High School. After graduation, Helen worked at Costein’s Restaurant on Front Street until 1962 and worked over 30 years at the Pioneer Rubber Company, retiring in 1985. She was always grateful that her parents decision to immigrate to the United States in 1913 from Romania. She always expressed her thankfulness for her parent’s courage. The last year has been a real emotional struggle for her dealing with the death of her son, John Mike Costein in December 2013. We rejoice that she is now in heaven with her son, husband and departed family.
Helen was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Willard. She belonged to the Catholic Ladies of Columbia, the American Legion Auxiliary, and the St. Francis Xavier 55 Plus Club. Helen enjoyed reading and in her early retirement traveled with her late husband, John Popa, to the Florida during the winter months. At family reunions, Helen was always the first to jump up and encourage other relatives and friends to dance traditional Romanian dances with her. Her laughter at these reunions was contagious.
She is survived by Susan Costein, a daughter-in-law, grandsons, Michael Costein, and Dustin (Jaime) Costein, great grandchildren, Sydney, Zoey, And Ellie Costein, step-children, John (Chris) Popa, Nancy (Rick) Stephens, Cathy Popa, and Diane Popa, and numerous step-grandchildren.
In addition to her deceased parents, Helen was preceded in death by her husband, John Popa; her son, John Michael Costein; brothers, Nick, Jim, John and Istrate Costein; and sister Mary Capetz.
Friends may call at the Secor Funeral Home in Willard, Ohio Friday, January 23, 2015 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM where a memorial service will be at 11:00 AM with Fr. Eric Culler officiating. Burial will take place at Greenwood Cemetery in Willard. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to stein hospice. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.secorfuneralhomes.com