Helen Sarky

1936 - 2026

In Loving Memory

Helen (Raphael) Sarky

Feb 20, 1936 – Feb 27, 2026

Helen Sarky, age 90, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed peacefully at home, surrounded by the love that she so freely gave throughout her life. Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Helen’s life was rooted in faith, family, and the simple joys of home.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edward J. Sarky, and her devoted parents, John and Catherine Raphael. She was also reunited in eternal rest with her sisters, Mary, Lucille, Sadie, Francis (Hugo Walton), and Martha (Simon Koury); and her brothers, Ralph, Tony (Gloria Rushay) and Tommy Raphael (Patty Spencer), along with many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

Helen is lovingly remembered by her children, John (Donna Merkle), Catherine, and Edward (Cathy Dillhoff). Her greatest title in life was “Sittie,” the name spoken with love by her grandchildren, Jonathan (Lauren Henderson), Nick (Beth Brockman), Steve, and Joe, and her precious great granddaughter Lucy. Nothing brought her more happiness than having her grandsons walk through her door several times a week and head straight to the kitchen to see what was on the stove or waiting in the refrigerator. Her home was their gathering place and her table was always full.

Helen’s deepest joy was caring for her family. She expressed her love through cooking and always prepared meals for anyone who stopped by to say hello. No one ever left her home hungry. She believed that food brought people together, and her kitchen was the heart of her home, a place of warmth, comfort, conversation, and laughter. Being at home, surrounded by family, was where she was happiest.

For 30 years, Helen’s second family was Marketing Research Services, Inc. (MRSI). She cherished the friendships she built there and took pride in her work and the relationships that extended far beyond the office. The bonds she formed through MRSI remained an important and meaningful part of her life.

Helen attended St. Francis of Assisi School and Holy Rosary School in Columbus and later studied at The Ohio State University. Her Catholic faith guided every part of her life. She was a devoted member of St. Anthony of Padua Maronite Catholic Church in Cincinnati, where she belonged to the St. Joseph Sodality and other Catholic organizations. St. Anthony was truly her home away from home, and her church community was an extension of her family.

She never met a stranger and always made others feel welcome. She had time for everyone, family, friends, and friends of family. Helen leaves behind a beautiful legacy of unconditional love, generosity, faith, and devotion to family, values inherited from her mother and faithfully passed on to the generations who will carry her spirit forward.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6 at Geo. H. Rohde & Son Funeral Home, 3183 Linwood Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45208.

A Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 7 at St. Anthony of Padua Maronite Catholic Church, 2530 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45206 (East Walnut Hills).

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Anthony of Padua Maronite Catholic Church in Memorial of Helen Sarky at www.staparish.org .

For those unable to attend in person, the Mass will be livestreamed at STAPARISH.ORG.

May her soul rest in eternal peace, reunited with Edward and all her beloved family.