A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, December 18 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Youngstown, officiated by the Rev. Edward Noga, for Helen Theresa Varone, 92, who died Saturday morning, December 15, at her residence.

She was born December 4, 1926, in Youngstown, a daughter of Antony and Concetta (Zinghini) Cua.

Helen lived in Las Vegas for 40 years before returning to this area in 2014.

She had worked in the menswear department at Strouss’ downtown and Hughes and Hatcher in Eastwood and then worked for the Ohio Turnpike Commission as a toll collector. 

Helen loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed her bowling league, dining out, live entertainment and playing Keno in the casinos. 

Helen leaves her three sons, John (Carol) Markovich of Canfield, Robert (Leona) Markovich of Clinton Township, Michigan and James (Pamela Jenkins) Markovich of Youngstown; three sisters, Caroline Shannon of Austintown, Amelia (Bill) Sloan of Austintown and Rose (John) Smrecansky of Youngstown; a brother, Patsy Cua of Florida; four grandchildren, Jessica (Rob) Reed, Gina (Sean) Chance, Jennifer Markovich and Jamie Markovich; five great-grandchildren, Maximus and Hayley Reed, Luca Chance and Nevaeh and D.J. Markovich and her companion of 24 years, Anthony Tesori.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Rocco Varone, whom she married in 1972 and who died in 1992; her son, Richard W.; two sisters, Antoinette Bentfield and Mary Magnoski and three brothers, Mario, Sam and Frank Cua.

Family and friends may call Monday, December 17 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Boardman-Canfield Chapel and on Tuesday, December 18 from 9:00 – 9:45 a.m. at the church prior to Mass. 

A television tribute will air Wednesday, December 19 at the following approximate times: 6:41 a.m. WYTV and 8:41 a.m. MyYTV and 9:58 a.m. on FOX plus two additional spots throughout the day.