Helene Murphy

YOUNGSTOWN - A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, New Road in Austintown, for Helene C. Murphy, 97, who went home to be with the Lord Monday morning at St. Mary's Alzheimer's Center.

Helene was born Nov. 7, 1915, in Farrell, Pa., a daughter to the late Joseph and Sophia Pycnarchik Bishop.

Helene graduated from Farrell High School. She enjoyed cooking, and had a love for gardening and flower arranging. She also handcrafted Christmas ornaments, which made Nanny's Christmas tree a spectacular one-of-a-kind.
After her husband's passing, she went to work at General Electric. After a 15 year career, she retired in 1984.
A more than 40 year member of St. Joseph Church, Helene not only supported her church, but was just as fervent about supporting her church bingo, which she loved even more on the nights she won.
Her husband, Ralph E. Murphy, whom she married in October of 1935, passed away May 21, 1969.
Helene leaves her three daughters, Eveleen Fasano of Austintown since 2004, Madlyn Matthew Palma of Boardman and Karen Cooney of Columbus; a brother, Ron Bishop of Austintown; 12 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren, who lovingly referred to her as "Nanny."
Helene was also preceded in death by her daughter, Naydene Joy Miller; a granddaughter, Marcee Miller Wilson; seven sisters; and a brother.
Family and friends may call Friday from 10 to 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Church.
In lieu of flowers material tributes may take the form of donations to St. Joseph Church.
Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery.
Arrangements are being handled by the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel.