Helen Marie (Komacek) Staruch, age 86, loving wife of Stephen Staruch, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 1, 2021, in the Pottstown Hospital in Pottstown PA. Born on May 20, 1934 in LaBelle, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Helen Komacek.
Helen graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from California University of Pennsylvania, (fka California State Teachers College), where she met her future husband. Upon college graduation, she was an Elementary School teacher in the Brentwood section of Pittsburgh. After marrying, Helen and Steve moved to Butler, PA where she continued to teach at the elementary level prior to raising her family. Helen was also a piano teacher and vocal instructor until the age of 82 privately in her home and at the Portersville Christian School in Portersville, PA.
Her family was the most important part of her life, and she relished every minute with them. A great fan and supporter of the arts, she worked with the Musical Theatre Guild in Butler, PA, and attended concerts, lectures and events in the Butler, Slippery Rock, Pittsburgh, and Youngstown, OH areas. A dedicated teacher when it came to her music students, she enjoyed entertaining and travelled with her students to perform at nursing homes and assisted living facilities whenever she had the opportunity. An avid gardener, she spent countless hours in her yard perfecting the landscape and scenery. Helen was also a woman of great faith who supported many in their times of need. She was a member of the St. Paul’s RC Church in Butler, PA.
She is survived by her four children, daughters Mary Helen Staruch, VMD, fiancé of Frank, of Ocean View, DE, Elizabeth “Liz” Staruch, of Phoenixville, PA, and sons Steven Staruch, husband of Naomi, of Minneapolis, MN, and Peter Staruch, husband of Bridget, of Lake Orion, MI; One brother, Philip Komacek, husband of Serafine “Sally”, of Belle Vernon, PA; One sister-in-law, Nancy Komacek, of La Belle, PA; Three loving grandchildren, Samuel, Lauren, and Claudia Staruch and two step-grandchildren, Natalie and Patrick Steimel, of Lake Orion, MI; And countless nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, Helen was preceded in death by three siblings, Albert Komacek, Jr., Richard Komacek, and Patricia “Patty” Kinnick.
Friends will be received from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturday, October 16th at the Thompson Miller Funeral Home, 124 E. North St. Butler, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at All Saints Parish at St. Paul’s RC Church. Masks are requested as COVID protocols are in place. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
Contributions may be made to Little Sisters of the Poor (Pittsburgh), Operation Smile or Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council.
Online condolences can be given at www.thompson-miller.com.