Helen R. Toth

Of the North Hills, died on June 7 after a prolonged battle with advanced ovarian cancer. She was 76 years old and lifelong caregiver of her beloved husband, John Roger Toth, who has been wheel-chair bound for decades. Helen and Roger celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary two years ago at Saints John and Paul Roman Catholic Parish (Sewickley), where they have been passionate active members. Helen was born in Grand Island, Nebraska to German immigrants. She majored in Art at St. Mary's College, South Bend Indiana, and there met her future husband, Roger, who was attending Notre Dame. Helen and Roger married in 1959 and began raising a family in Cleveland. Roger was diagnosed with MS and soon lost employment shortly after moving to the North Hills. With five children, Helen began her teaching career as the family's breadwinner. Helen earned her MS in Education with Honors from Duquesne University, and taught 5th grade at West View Elementary School for over 30 years. Her students will remember her as a highly intelligent, practical, no-nonsense teacher dedicated to learning. She enjoyed reading, bridge, stained glass artistry, but her greatest love was her family. When Helen was first diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer over eight years ago, she was determined to fight the disease not only for her own sake but because of her husbands continued care. Helen's courage against the disease was profound and her determination throughout her illness was inspirational. Helen is survived by her husband Roger; her five children Laura of South Bend, IN, Anne, Gigi and Michael of Northern Virginia, and Greg of Bridgeville, PA; her siblings Fred, Eleanor, Elizabeth and William, all of Nebraska; and her 13 grandchildren aged six to 25. Visitation will be held at H.P. BRANDT FUNERAL HOME, INC., 1032 Perry Hwy., Ross Twp., 15237, 412-364-4444, on Sunday, June 10 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Rosary will be said at 4:45 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Monday at Saints John and Paul Catholic Church, 2586 Wexford-Bayne Road, Sewickley, PA 15143-8610, (EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH), to be followed by a grave side service at Holy Savior Cemetery & Mausoleum, 4629 Bakerstown Road, Gibsonia, PA 15044. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Passavant Cancer Center, Catholic Charities or St. John and Paul Church.