Helen Oktavec - Obituary

elen Elizabeth Oktavec (Shehadi), 86, of Coatesville, PA, formerly of Annapolis, MD died Friday, December 3, 2010 at her home after a lengthy illness. Born in Wilkes Barre, PA, she was the daughter of the late John and Josephine Shehadi. Helen graduated from Misericordia University in Pa with a degree in teaching. Helen was a volunteer at Brandywine Hospital and was a member of the Brandywine Senior Circle, Coatesville Senior Center and the College Women’s Club of Annapolis. She was a lifetime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Annapolis and, currently of St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church in Coatesville, PA. Helen enjoyed reading, playing cards and spending time with family and friends. She was predeceased by her loving husband, the late Joseph A. Oktavec, with whom she shared 40 years of marriage. She is survived by her daughter, Anne Marie Swiger, her son-in-law, Robert Swiger and her grandchildren, Elizabeth and Christina Swiger of Coatesville, PA. She is predeceased by her son, Michael G. Oktavec. Helen is survived by one sister, Regina Guza, of Berwyn, PA and predeceased by her brother, Lawrence Shehadi and sister, Theresa Bennie. A viewing will be held at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, Md on Friday, December 10, 2010 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8pm with a rosary service at 7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, December 11 at 9:30am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Annapolis, Md. Interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church, 209 W. Lincoln Highway, Coatesville, Pa 19320 or Willow Tree Hospice, 100 Sycamore Drve, West Grove, PA 19390.