DuBois, Pennsylvania – Helen T. Straub, a cherished member of the DuBois community, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, September 29, 2024. She was 86 years old.
Helen was born on May 3, 1938, in Johnsonburg, PA, to the late Charles and Theresa (Zawacki) Kasmierski. She married Kenton “Ken” Straub on October 11, 1958, and they shared 65 wonderful years of marriage together. Ken survives her.
Helen was a homemaker who found joy in playing bingo and cards, and she was a passionate fan of the Pittsburgh Penguins. However, her greatest joy was spending time with her family.
She is survived by her children, Christine Sherretz (Richard) of Pleasant Gap, PA, Kathryn Mitchell (Randy) of Grampian, PA, David Straub (Christine) of Falls Creek, PA, Donald Straub (Linda) of Hollidaysburg, PA, Robert Straub (Amy) of Falls Creek, PA, and Daniel “Gus” Straub of DuBois, PA. She also leaves behind 13 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, her brother Thomas Kasmierski, and her sister Julia Benson.
Helen was preceded in death by her brothers Charles and Chester Kasmierski and her daughter-in-law, Deborah Straub.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at the Baronick Funeral Home & Crematorium, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to DuSan Ambulance or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease.
Condolences poured in on social media, with messages like Austin Mitchell’s “Rest Easy Nan” and Breelyn Sue’s heartfelt “So sorry for your loss” reflecting the deep love and admiration Helen inspired in those around her.