Helen Holeva

Helen (Evasew) Holeva

Simply, Helen loved life and will lovingly be remembered for the twinkle in her eye, her funny wit, the shrug of her shoulder, her sweet smile and just for being “Aunt Helen”.  She was the last of her generation, the connection for so many to childhood memories and family members that have gone before her.

On Tuesday, September 15th, 2020 at the age of 90, Helen (Evasew) Holeva peacefully departed this earthly life “on the breath of dawn”.

Helen was born February 1930 in Devault, PA but spent most of her life in the beloved family home on Church Street in Phoenixville.  She graduated from Phoenixville Area High School in 1948 and married Army Cpl Joseph R. Holeva in August of 1954.

She worked for the Budd Company and later for I.C.I.  She was a long-time member of Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church but in her later years joined St Ann’s Roman Catholic Church. Her favorite group was the infamous “Girls Club”, a group of her friends who got together once a month for fun and laughs.

Helen was the baby of the family and God mother to a good number of her nieces and nephews.  She loved music and dancing, often bringing home a new 45 to play on the stereo (think Bobby Darin). In her younger days, her favorite past time was shopping. She and her sister Madge once bought a number of hats and had quite a good time modeling them for sister Mame.  In later years sleeping replaced shopping, as demonstrated by her morning request of “just 5 more minutes” multiple times.  Aunt Helen was the aunt who curled up with you, giggled with you and would listen to your stories. She was a feisty one, still loving “tall, dark and handsome” to her last days.  A true Evasew, the sweet tooth was always calling.  Even while at Frederick Living, she would wander out of her room and ask the nurses for a snack at night.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph R. Holeva and her infant son. Her parents, Anthony and Mary (Klymyshun) Evasew.  In addition, sisters Martha Evasew, Ann Bechette, Mame Evasew, Madge Lesar and Sophie Van Kanan-Simpson; brothers Alex, Peter and Joe Evasew. Nephews Anthony, Robert and Stephen Evasew. Great nephews Tyler Chudoba, Thomas Evasew and Vincent DiPaul III.   Helen is survived by her many nieces and nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be held in St. Ann Chapel, 604 S. Main Street, Phoenixville, PA, Monday, October 5, 2020 at 10:00 A.M.  Due to Covid-19 restrictions there is limited seating, therefore, priority will be given to nieces and nephews.

Burial will follow at Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery, 90 Filmore St, Phoenixville, PA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Frederick Living Benevolent Fund, 2849 Big Road, Zieglerville, PA  19492 or a charity of your choice in Helen’s name.

The family would like to extend our gratitude and appreciation to the staff at Frederick Living for their loving and compassionate care of our dear Aunt Helen.  We would also like to thank the staff of Caring Hospice Services during the last weeks