Helen M. Leshnack

AUSTINTOWN - Helen M. Leshnack, 88, formerly of Artmar Drive, passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning, Aug. 1, 2018, at The Inn at Christine Valley in Youngstown following a long, happy, and fulfilling life.

Helen was born Nov. 8, 1929, in Newton Falls, a daughter of the late Andrew and Anna Bocan Lancy, and was a lifelong Youngstown area resident.

Mrs. Leshnack was a graduate of Chaney High School. In the early 1950s, she worked for General Electric, where she met her future husband, Joe Leshnack. Helen then became a wife and homemaker who dedicated her adult life to raising and caring for her family. She also worked at Lariccia Italian Foods for 20 years, and she worked at her beloved church, St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, as a caterer for many years, where she was affectionately referred to as “Sarge.”        

She was a member of St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Youngstown, where she was a member of the Golden Pillars and was a volunteer bingo worker. She was also a member of the Greek Catholic Union.

Mrs. Leshnack’s beloved husband of 60 years, Joseph S. Leshnack, whom she married Oct. 23, 1954, passed away June 14, 2015.

Helen leaves two daughters, Laurie Lynn (Rick) Dover of Knoxville, Tenn. and Jennie Lee (Philip) Ward of Center Township, Pa.; four grandchildren, Katie (Andrew) Frizzell, Jessica (Shea) Ramsey, Ricky Dover, and Jenna Dover; four great-grandchildren, Nolan, Tyler, Austin, and Guinn, with baby Ramsey on the way; and a brother, Edward Lancy of Poland.

Besides her husband, Helen was preceded in death by a grandson, Brian Ward; three brothers, John, Clarence, and Andrew Lancy; and by two sisters, Annie Petro and Margaret Werschey.

Family and friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 3, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 North Meridian Road, Youngstown, where funeral services will begin at 11:15 a.m., and continue at noon at St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church on South Belle Vista Avenue in Youngstown.

Committal services will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown, where Helen will be laid to rest next to her husband, Joe, and brother, Clarence.

Special thanks from Helen’s family to the incredible staff with The Inn at Christine Valley and to the staff with Hospice of the Valley, for the kindness shown and loving care given to Mrs. Leshnack.

Memorial contributions may be made in Helen’s name to the Residents’ Activity Fund at The Inn at Christine Valley, 3150 S. Schenley Ave., Youngstown, OH 44511.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.