Helen F. Starziski, 94, of Tyrone passed through heaven's gate to join her family on Wednesday June 13, 2018 at UPMC Altoona.

She was born October 22, 1923 in Tyrone, a daughter of Joseph and Anna (Kraffitz) Starziski.

Though she never married she is survived by numerous nieces and nephews to whom she was very devoted. She was the last of her immediate family preceded in death by five brothers; Joseph, Andrew, Michael, Steven, John and three sisters; Mary Susanna and Dorothy.

She retired at the age of 65 in 1988 from Big Yank, Tyrone as a floor walker following 40 years service and was then free to devote her time to family and her garden.

She was a lifetime member of St. Matthew Catholic Church, Tyrone.

Known as "Aunt Helen" she loved visiting her sibling and her nieces and nephews, never shy about giving advice or voicing her opinion about any topic. She was a life long member of the Democratic Party and never missed voting in any elections from the time she was 21. She was a multiple gallon blood donor to the Red Cross.

As much as she treasured her family her passion was her garden, especially raising her elephant garlic. She was generous to a fault, driving miles to provide food from her garden to anyone in need. She was the Blair County garlic queen winning many blue ribbons at county fairs and was interviewed by newspaper, radio and television.

Aunt Helen loved riding her tractor and repairing and creating roads on her farm until the age of 91. Helen was a self taught musician, able to play her hillbilly music on guitar, mandolin and accordion. She loved talk radio and frequently called to give her input on that days topic.

Aunt Helen will be sadly missed by those who knew and loved her.

Funeral Mass will be held Monday June 18, 2018 at 11 A.M. at St. Matthew Church with Fr. Jozef Kovacik officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. Friends will be received on Sunday at Feller Memorial Home from 4 to 6 P.M.

Memorial gifts may be made to 4H Endowment Fund, 310 Airport Road, Martinsburg, Pa. 16622. Please make checks payable to Penn State.