Sister Mary John Semon, OSB (Helen V.,) 96, of Warren, died Thursday, December 20, 2012 at Assumption Village in North Lima, Ohio.

Sister Mary John was born on May 10, 1916 in Glen Campbell, PA the daughter of Peter and Susan Franko Semon. She graduated from Washington Irving High School in 1943. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Youngstown State University in 1978.

Sister entered religious life in 1955 with the Sisters of Christ the Teacher in Pittsburgh, PA and then in 1973 transferred to the Byzantine Sisters at Queen of Heaven Monastery in Warren, Ohio.

She was a member of SS. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church in Warren, Ohio. She held membership in the Greek Catholic Union, the Society of Saint John Chrysostom, and the Carpatho-Rusyn Society.

For many years she taught at SS. Peter & Paul School in Warren and later at the BEL Center at Queen of Heaven Monastery. She also volunteered at the Children's Rehabilitation Center in Warren. In previous years she ministered at other parishes in New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Sister is survived by four brothers Edward, Albert, John and David Semon; and three sisters Irene Semon Verbiak, Dorothy Ann Semon Callaghan and Margaret Semon Rudin.

In addition to her parents, Sister Mary John was preceded in death by two brothers Joseph and Michael Semon and a sister Mary Semon Moe.

Calling hours will take place on Wednesday, December 26, 2012 from 6 to 8 PM at SS. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church with a Parastas Service at 7 PM also at the church. The Funeral Divine Liturgy will be Thursday, December 27, 2012 at 10:30 AM at the church with Metropolitan Archbishop William Skurla and Rev. Andrew Deskevich, pastor, officiating.

Burial will be at SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery.

Material Tributes may be made to the Benedictine Sisters Retirement Fund, 169 Kenmore Ave NE, Warren, Ohio 44483