Helen Martha Spano

WARREN – Helen Martha Simon Spano, 95, passed away peacefully in her sleep Wednesday, January 16, 2019, in the home shared for 13 years with her daughter Sharon and son-in-law Ted. She spent Monday laughing until she cried, joking with family and friends with her amazing quick wit, and looking at pictures of her great-grandchildren.

Helen was born January 8, 1924, the daughter of Martha Thomas Simon and Louis Simon. Her mom passed when she was 5 years old, and Rosheda Simon, stepmother, and father, Louis, raised her. 

Born and raised in Shinnston, WV, Helen graduated from Shinnston High School and moved to Warren, OH in 1953 where she remained the rest of her days. She was a long-time member of St. Pius X Church where she enjoyed helping with festivals and preparing food for funeral masses. In 2006, she moved in with her daughter and son-in-law and enjoyed many laughs, much love, and amazing care. After moving, she became a member of St. William Church.

            Helen’s life journey was angelic and anyone who knew her could attest she was the kindest, gentlest, most peaceful soul they’d ever met. Always speaking positively about others, “Nana” loved her family and friends dearly, and gave many years caring for her grandchildren. Everyone she met was greeted with respect. Helen got great joy from cooking, feeding, and helping others. Her beautifully decorated cakes baked with love were enjoyed by many family and friends on birthdays and special occasions. Sunday spaghetti and meatball dinners were the family tradition everyone looked forward to. Her greatest devotion in life was her family, especially her children and grandchildren. Nana most recently loved being around her great grandchildren who always brought happiness.

The family wants everyone to remember Helen for her positive impact, many happy memories, and her message to love everyone equally.

            She married Joe Spano on January 16, 1947. She passed away on the date marking their 72nd wedding anniversary. They had two loving children, Sharon Spano Nicopolis and Nick Spano.

Helen is survived by daughter, Sharon Nicopolis; son, Nick (Mary) Spano; grandchildren Michelle Nicopolis (Mike Gallagher); Joe (Jennica) Spano; Tedd (Larissa) Spano; great grandchildren Bella, Justin, and Johnny; brother, David (Diane) Simon; sister Genevieve Simon Griffin; sister-in-law Norma Simon; many wonderful nieces and nephews, as well as dear friends she considered family.

            Proceeding her in death were her parents, Louis, Martha, and Rosheda Simon; husband, Joe Spano who passed in 1984; in-laws Rose (Louie) Allowatt and Nick Spano; son-in-law Ted Nicopolis; siblings Mary Simon (Bashara) Tomey; Sam (Madeline) Simon; Rose (Sean) Simon McLaughlin; John (Mary) Simon; and George Simon; and brother-in-law Ken Griffin; sister-in-law Teresa (Henry) Starkey; Mary (Zane) Hawker; Katherine (Jim) Spenia; Liz (Doyle) Baker; Virginia (George) Carvelli; and many stepbrothers- and sisters-in-law.

The family would like to thank the many caregivers over the years who loved Nana like family, especially June Taylor who was with her for 9 years; Dr. Tom Truong who provided compassionate care for the last several years; and the Visiting Physicians who recently gave great in-home care.

            Family and friends may pay their respects Monday, January 21 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at St. William Church, 5431 Mahoning Ave N.W., Warren, Ohio 44483, followed by a mass celebrated by the Rev. Michael Balash.

The family will have a private burial at All Souls Cemetery.

            The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of your choice.

            Arrangements are being made by the Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel, Warren.

            Family and friends may visit www.peterrossiandsonfh.com to view this obituary, sign the guestbook, and send condolences to Helen’s family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Helen Martha Spano, please visit our floral store.