Helen J. Horvath

The second child of Anthony and Rose (Tudyk) Rusin, Helen was born on August 29, 1926, in Pontiac, Michigan. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Helen was preceded in death by her loving husband of 72 years, Albert, her parents, sisters Toni, Gladys, and Jeanette, brothers Sonny and Joe. She is survived by sister, Mary Ann Schiefelbein (with whom Helen had a special loving relationship throughout her life), sister-in-law Glenda Rusin, Helen’s children Al Horvath Jr. and wife Jan, Steve Horvath and wife Christine, Jerry Horvath and wife Karen, Glenda Babineaux and husband Louis, and Jeff Horvath and wife Tina, as well as 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces.

When Helen was very young, her family moved to Powhatan, Ohio, where her father was able to find work in the coal mines, so Helen was a coal miner’s daughter. Difficult times in Ohio required the children to work hard to help the family, which developed Helen’s exceptional work ethic. She often told stories of beautiful woods, streams, berries, and apples she picked in Ohio. It was in Ohio that Helen developed her love of nature and the outdoors. The family eventually moved to San Antonio where Helen met her loving husband, Albert, who had recently returned from World War II. Helen was already engaged to marry before she met Albert, but her parents preferred Albert so the relationship began.

Helen loved and took great pride in being the best wife and mother she could. She succeeded in leaving a legacy of a wonderful marriage of more than 72 years and mentoring with love five successful children. She often said, “Just be the very best you can be. No one can ask more of you.” Helen lived as a devout Catholic throughout her life, attending weekly Mass. She loved gardening, bird watching, traveling, camping, fishing and family get-togethers. In turn, these interests have been passed on to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited on Monday, August 24, 2020, to Sunset Northwest Funeral Home, 6321 Bandera Rd., San Antonio, Texas, to meet with family from 6-9 p.m., with Rosary starting at 7 p.m. The funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 25, 2020, at Our Lady of Guadalupe, Helotes Catholic Church, 13715 Riggs Rd., Helotes, Texas. Following the Mass, the funeral procession will proceed to St. Hedwig Cemetery, 14011 FM 1346. Due to COVID-19, face masks and social distancing are required for all attendees at all the above-stated events and there are no restrictions on the number of people.