Helen Starosta

Helen Starosta, a lifelong resident of Philadelphia, died Saturday, August 4, 2018 at her residence.  She was 91.

Born in Philadelphia, Helen was the daughter of the late John and Sophie (Oleshysky) Wasylenko.  She attended St. Basil Academy and was a graduate of Frankford High School.

Helen married her husband John in June of 1949; they lived on Bridge Street in the Frankford section of the city before moving to Allengrove Street.  They moved to their home on Strahle Street in the Fox Chase section in 2001. 

Helen worked as an inspector for a pharmaceutical company and also worked at Sears-Roebuck in the employee store.  Her last job was with the City of Philadelphia as a School Crossing Guard for the children of St. Martin Catholic School and Edmunds Elementary School.

Helen learned the Ukrainian folk art of pysanka egg design from her mother Sophie; she created hundreds for her family and friends and she taught the art to her children, grandchildren and many others.

Helen is survived by her children: Christine, Dan, Tom, Daria and Joe; her 11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.  She is predeceased by her husband John (John died in 2015) and her siblings: Bill, Alice, Ann and Mike. 

Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing on Thursday at 9 AM at Annunciation BVM Ukrainian Catholic Church, Old York & Valley Roads, in Melrose Park, PA.  Panahyda Prayers will be sung at 10:15 AM followed by Requiem Liturgy at 10:30 AM.  Burial will follow at St. Mary Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, Elkins Park, PA.

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