NEW MIDDLETOWN - Helen Bovo, 80, formerly of Prospect Street in Struthers, passed away unexpectedly Thursday afternoon, Feb. 1, 2018.

Helen was born May 31, 1937, in Poland, a daughter of the late Thomas and Catharina Pusiarska Bilowus. She came to the United States in 1950, and first lived in Oklahoma, Texas before coming to Youngstown by way of Jeannette, Pa., in the mid-1950s.

She held various odd jobs before devoting her life to raising and caring for her family. Helen enjoyed playing bingo with her friends at her home at Windsor House Assisted Living in New Middletown, spending time with her dog, Max, and dancing the polka. An outstanding cook, Helen will always be remembered for her delicious wedding soup, her pyrohy, and her pigs-in-a-blanket, and she will always be remembered for expressing her sincere sentiment, "I love you," to all who shared her life.

She was a member of St. Paul The Apostle Catholic Church in New Middletown. Helen leaves to cherish her memory two sons, Ron (Alice) Bovo of New Middletown and Don Bovo (Sharon Zebrasky) of Struthers; three grandchildren, Samantha, Ronnie (Sarah Schafer), and Nikki; two sisters, Nellie Pociask of Poland and Janina Sodomora of Austintown; her former husband and friend, Bruno Bovo Jr. of Struthers; and her beloved dog, Max.

Helen will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Family and friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, Feb. 5, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Rd., Youngstown.

Family and friends may also call from 10 to 10:45 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 6, at St. Paul the Apostle Church in New Middletown, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m.

Interment will follow at St. John Cemetery on Villa Marie Road in Coitsville..

Helen's family thanks the staff at Windsor House, Ivy Woods, and St. Elizabeth Boardman Health Center, for all of the kindness shown and care given to Helen throughout her life.