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BORN
1956
DIED
2015
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Helen Bartusiak Obituary
Bartusiak
1956-2015
Helen McCole Bartusiak passed away on May 22, 2015 in her home in Houston, TX.
She was born on May 4, 1956 to Johanna and Walter McCole in West Wyoming, PA. She graduated from Wyoming Area High School where she was a champion swimmer and the feature twirler. After high school, she studied dance and acting in New York City. She owned and was the principal teacher at dance schools in Pittston and Allentown, PA.
She married Don Bartusiak in 1984 in Allentown, PA and gave birth to son Stephen in 1985. The family moved to Scotland in 1989 where Helen worked as an acting instructor at the Edinburgh Acting School. She moved to Houston in 1991 and gave birth to daughter Skye in 1992. From 1992 to the present, Helen worked as an acting coach and talent manager in Houston and Los Angeles, primarily for her daughter who passed away in July 2014. Most recently, Helen was working on the start-up of the Skye McCole Bartusiak Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to the professional and personal support of emerging performing artists and their families.
She is survived by her husband Dr. R. Donald Bartusiak, her son Stephen, and her sisters Colleen Ford, Patricia Ginocchetti, and Joanna Fusco.
A memorial service will be held at 3pm on Saturday May 30 at Heights Presbyterian Church, 240 W. 18th St, Houston TX 77008. Friends are invited to a dinner reception after the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Skye McCole Bartusiak Foundation, c/o Christopher J. Lalka, Treasurer; 5510 Summer Snow Dr; Houston TX 77041.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Helen Bartusiak
Sponsored by Claire Brothers Funeral Home - Houston.
Hazel Pepe
June 4, 2025
Dear helen we miss you so much . I can't beleive that you are already gone 10 years ,.I miss our conversations on the phone when Skye would call me . I miss my Skye so much she was our friend . we loved her so much. I am glad you are together up there with your Stephen and Skye . please rest in peace my very special friends I will never forget you all how when you came in town here you would always come to see us . I will always cherish your friendships . I love you all ,,,your friends Hazel and Jimmy Pepe
Denise M Caiazzo
May 26, 2025
I´ll always remember our times in the Poconos, going to NY, talking on the phone and laughing all the time.
I really miss your laugh! Until we meet again....
Debby
May 25, 2025
Peace be with you
Hazel Pepe
December 29, 2024
Dear Helen I miss you so much .I miss you and Skye. I always loved your visits here and phone calls , I pray you are resting in peace. you were such a beautiful person and proud to say you and Skye was our friends . I will never forget how you came to the nursing home here to visit my Mom it made her so happy . God bless you Helen . I love you and Skye . you will forever be missed . Rest my friend , Love Hazel and Jimmy Pepe
Mary Ann
December 28, 2024
Madame, I still think of you with a smile. Always a beam of light in a dark night- wearing high heels on a hayride- something the farmer won´t forget. So many memories. We all enjoyed the starlight around you as you ran to NYC, etc savor the memories from days in WP and Allentown. Don was always so focused. Love ya and miss ya Helen skye and Stephen. Thinking of you Donald. Love Mary Ann aka Mimpie
Deb
May 25, 2024
Now your are with Stephen and Skye. All three in heaven. Forever. May it be the godly happiness you are happy with. Your all missed down here!
Hazel Pepe
May 24, 2024
Dear Helen after all these years I still miss you I miss hearing your beautiful voice on the phone when you would call me or I would call you . I love and miss both you and my dear friend Skye. I loved her so much .I pray you are resting well one day we shall all meet again. till then I will continue to miss you and I will forever love and miss you and Skye.Rest now my friend , Love Hazel and Jimmy Pepe
Deb
May 25, 2023
Knowing you from age 2. A lifetime. I still ask why! Somedays I feel you're going to call again. Still miss ya! Deb
Hazel Pepe
May 23, 2023
Helen I can't believe it that it is 8 years since you left us. we sure miss you and we miss our beautiful Skye . we loved her so much . I know you are together in heaven. you missed her so much when she passed away . may you Rest in Peace . we will always love you and Skye . forever in our hearts . Love Hazel and Jimmy pepe
Derek Douglas
May 23, 2021
Thinking about you and skye
Todd Thompson
September 8, 2020
Helen, Olga and I were so sorry to learn of your passing... Two great losses within a year of each other is just so much to bear. You were such a vibrant and loving woman, an amazing mother and cheerleader for Skye and your spirit shined so very bright. Our thoughts and prayers are with Don and Stephan and your entire family. While we never had the pleasure of meeting them, our hearts break with theirs and I only hope they find peace in the beautiful memories you and Skye have gifted them with. Much love and continued admiration for you. Life is such a precious and delicate gift. Thank you for sharing a little piece of it with us “Once Not Far From Home”. xoxo Todd and Olga Thompson
Hazel Pepe
May 23, 2020
Helen so many years have now passed . 5 years, I miss you so much and my dear Skye, please give her our love too . you both meant a lot to us , I always ,loved talking to you when you called me or I called you . I know how much you loved Skye and You missed her so much, your heart was broken but now you are both together in heaven in the loving arms of our Lord . I love and miss you both , you are in our prayers all the time . love your friends , Hazel and Jimmy R.I .P.
May 5, 2020
I wish I could tell you Happy 64th Birthday! It's 5 years and I still think of you every day in some small way. And I always have a dream of you appearing in it. I really hope someday we will meet again and I could hear what made you leave. I really don't know and it have been very close with you for over 55 yrs, it just burdens me at times to not know what happened. We knew each other since we were 2 & 3 yrs old.You made me Godmother to Stephen , we were in each others wedding. We shared so many good times and funny times. Just one of those things that 's rare in long friendships. I cared about you and began to notice you were different. I thought I was helping you. Turned out it angered you. Just know I loved you like a sister. And you are missed by me. Give Skye a hug from Aunti Debby.
Derek Douglas
May 6, 2019
Remembering you on your birthday from all your Edinburgh friends. Happy days at edinburgh acting school. I nearly made it to Houston to work with you but it wasn't to be.
Give Skye a hug as well
Thinking about you
May 5, 2019
Late 1970's Pittston Dance Studio
D D
May 5, 2019
Never forgotten. Thinking of you every day. You are missed. You were loved by all of us. We miss seeing you and Skye and getting your phone calls.
Hazel Pepe
May 5, 2018
Happy Birthday in heaven Helen , I still miss you so much and my Skye too . I can't believe it that it is 3 years since you are gone . well I guess you are celebrating with Skye up there for your birthday, I love you my friend . and I love Skye too . Love , Hazel and Jimmy
Denise Caiazzo
May 3, 2018
Helen,
I think about you and Skye all the time. I can't believe you are gone, but I know you are spending eternity in Heaven.
Happy Birthday my dear friend.
We had lots of good times in Texas and Pennsylvania. Those days are forever etched in my memory. I remember when we modeled those camouflage outfits in Pa. We looked so funny, and we were stopped by the police because your inspection sticker had expired. There I was in a camouflage wedding dress., and God only knows that crazy outfit you were wearing.!!! We looked like 2 hot messes. You got a warning, he let us go.... and we laughed all the way home!
These are the crazy and fun memories I have of you! I'll never forget you or Skye. Until we meet again.....
Love you!
D D
May 2, 2018
Happy Birthday in Heaven! Missing you
1986 Helen-my Maid of Honor, Soul Sister
D D
May 1, 2018
Daniel Merritt
October 15, 2017
Dear Hazel Pepe,
I was watching the Patriot and looked up a few of the actors and was surprised to read about Skye who passed away on 7/19/14. Less than a year later her mother Helen passed away on 5/22/15. Almost ten months to the day, I could only imagine that she died of a broken heart. For the past twenty minutes I have sat here reading Helen's obituary comments from her loved one's and friend's. It is overwhelming obvious that this person touched the lives and hearts of many people, not only here in America, but literally across the World.
Hazel, I can see that Helen was someone special to you, as well as her daughter. I quickly noticed that several of the comments below have come from you, most recently the one posted the day after her last birthday, Helen would've been 61. I am writing this to you Hazel, I am truly sorry for your loss, too. I am sorry you lost a dear friend and her daughter, too.
Know in your heart of hearts, that even though Helen isn't alive physically, she is most alive in the heart's and mind's of every single person she touched and changed with her loving smile, her witty artistic talents, her affectious laughter, and most of all her unconditional love she shared with everyone she knew.
Have peace of mind and take solace in your soul that Helen no longer suffers the loss of her daughter. Chin up Ms. Hazel. I am deeply moved by your love for your dearly departed friend.
Hazel Pepe
May 23, 2017
my dear friend Helen I miss you so much I wish you were still here with all of us . I miss talking to you on the phone . I pray for you and Skye all the time . I miss my dear Skye too . I know you are up there in heaven together . May you both Rest in peace , I love you both . Love Hazel
D D
May 5, 2017
Happy birthday in heaven
Hazel Pepe
January 4, 2017
God Bless you dear Helen . we all sure miss you with your bright smile and kind words , I love you my friend . I am so glad to have met you and became friends with all of your family . I miss my Skye too she was always my baby . I loved her so much . take care of her up there, love you , Hazel and jimmy
January 2, 2017
Deepest sympathies. God bless.
September 19, 2016
Dear Helen , my friend I miss you so much I miss Skye too . you were both wonderful people and most of all my friends . I love and miss you both so much. I know how your heart was so broken when you lost your beautiful Skye all of our hearts were broken . I will never forget that horrible day . then one year later to lose you too . God bless you both . RIP
your friends Hazel and Jimmy Pepe , Wyoming. Penna
Julieann Spanitz
September 18, 2016
Found some beautiful pictures of you and Skye. Thinking of you and what a great, caring and loving person you were.
Gary "Sol" Metts
September 17, 2016
Thinking of you & Skye today as always, Helen. The memories are uplifting. Thought I'd stop by and light a candle. Miss you both so much~
Your Friend
April 9, 2016
Your birthday is coming up in May. You would have been turing 60. We were suppose to celebrate the big one. You are so missed by me. You told me once when you watched the movie Beaches it made you cry because it reminded you of us and our friendship.
I was suppose to go before you. Why.......
Hazel Pepe
January 2, 2016
Dear Helen you are forever in my heart . and Skye too ,I loved you both my friends . you were always a very caring mother and did such a fine job raising 2 wonderful children . I know how much you missed Skye when I would call you , you were very upset over the fact that Skye passed away so young . we were always so proud of Skye and all she accomplished in her life that was cut short too soon . Merry Christmas and happy new year in heaven with Skye . I love and Miss you both so much . your friends , Hazel and Jimmy
Derek Douglas
December 29, 2015
I just found out tonight that you had past away. I was shocked and upset when I was told about Skye then reading about you I just couldn't believe it. I acted with you in Edinburgh when we both attended Edinburgh acting school. We had a blast and you and Donald were great fun to be around and full of life and caring. You even offered me a job in Houston teaching with you but I couldn't accept as I wanted to stay here and see my daughter grow up. I have thought about you a lot recently and told my 2 other daughters about you very recently. The patriot was on tv tonight and my youngest daughter asked about Skye when I pointed out that I had acted with her mum and it was when looking up and reading about her death that I found out about your death. You will always be in my heart Helen as well Donald and your son. I hope you are looking after Skye and I will remember you always Love forever Derek Douglas
Hazel Pepe
September 25, 2015
Dear Helen , you sure are missed as well as our Dear friend Skye . we love and miss you both so much . I think about you and Skye all the time . I pray for you both . it was a honor to call you both my friends . I love you both . may you both rest in peace . love your friends Hazel and jimmy Pepe
a friend
September 24, 2015
I miss you . I think of you daily. Almost every night I dream of you. I just can't stop asking why....
anna donato
September 4, 2015
Helen, I miss you.
Hazel Pepe
August 3, 2015
We are still saddened by the passing of our dear friend Helen and now it is a year since our dear friend Skye has passed as well . we love and miss you both .much love goes to Stephen and Donald ,love friends , Hazel and Jimmy Pepe
July 27, 2015
So very sorry for your loss. May your cherished memories bring you comfort.
Lorie Henninger
July 23, 2015
Oh I am so sorry to hear this! Helen was a dance teacher of mine at the PA playhouse back in the 80's. She was one of the kindest people and a wonderful teacher. I will never forget Helen, she truly made an impact on my life. Prayers to the family I am so sorry for your loss. A wonderful lady <3
a d
July 19, 2015
Today is one year since Skye passed and almost 2 months since you left us.I think of you both everyday.I have to believe you are both together in a more peaceful place with God at your sides. Love ya.
Jamie Potlock
June 12, 2015
Don and Steven, Our hearts are with you at this sad time. We are so sorry for your loss. Helen was such a lovely lady! -Steve and Jamie Potlock and Family
June 4, 2015
We at Valero will miss Helen as do we her late daughter Sky.
mike lutton
June 2, 2015
sorry to hear she passed away what was the cause of death
Elie Montalvo-Schmidt
June 2, 2015
Donald and Steven, I was deeply saddened to hear of Helen's passing. I have so very many memories and I will cherish them all. I will continue to pray for you and for Helen and Skye - may they rest now in the Lord's arms and be at peace. Always and forever your friend....Elie Montalvo Schmidt, Mount Joy PA
Janet Kirklin
June 2, 2015
Life on earth will never be the same without my best friend. My life was infinitely enriched by our friendship. I have peace in the faith that I will see her again. Many prayers for Donald and Steven as they continue on in this earthly plain.
Mohammed Amrouni
June 2, 2015
Don and Steven, we are we are so sorry for your loss and send our heartfelt condolences. May she rest in peace and please accept our deepest sympathy in these very difficult times.
Mohammed, Mary and Tahar Amrouni.
Katrina Pennington
June 1, 2015
Don and Steven, I am devastated to hear about Helen's death. She was such a shining presence in this world. I am so, so sorry. Your friends at Clear Lake Presbyterian will be praying for your family during these very difficult days.
Robin Craig
May 31, 2015
Helen was one of the most loving, generous souls I've ever known. Her light shined brightly and her loss is immense. I along with many others will miss her sorely, but her memory will live on in our hearts forever.
Marc Isaacs
May 30, 2015
Farewell to a special friend. Your inspiration will live forever.
Hal and Karen Wixon
May 30, 2015
Donald and Steven...we are so sorry for your loss..Hal and Karen Wixon
Laura Watson
May 30, 2015
The generosity and warmth Helen gave were an incredible gift, and I am truly grateful for having known her. God speed lovely Helen. Our world will be dimmer without you.
Ajz
May 30, 2015
True comfort comes from knowing that death is never the will of our loving Creator-Romans 5:12
Debby Dottery
May 30, 2015
My deepest sympathy in your loss Helen was a giving woman that gave to all. Her laughter filled a room. May peace be with her.
Darryl Perrilloux
May 30, 2015
To my GB. I miss you and love you!!
- Levi Blaine
Roxanne Allford
May 29, 2015
Dear Donald, Steven, and family, I am so sorry for your loss and send my heartfelt condolences. Overwhelmed with sadness and can not image the pain and sadness you are feeling. As you know, I loved my friend...Helen. Sending my prayers, hugs, and my deepest sympathy.
Rest in Peace, my dear Helen.
Roxanne
Jesse and Stacie Price
May 29, 2015
Don and Stephen, we are devastated to hear of Helen's passing. We are joining our prayers with that of all of your friends and family around the world and our sincere hope is that God will draw even closer with comfort and strength during this difficult time.
Regards, Jesse, Stacie, Elise and Calvin
Lenore Rostock Hudak
May 29, 2015
Patty, Colleen and Joanna,
We were fortunate to grow up in a small town with great parents. Helen was always the life of the party. I still smile thinking of her coming in our house announcing she was there. She would razz my Dad, call him Anthony and give him a big kiss. Wonderful memories. Good bless you all as well as Donald and Stephen. God rest Helen's soul. May she rest in peace with her beautiful daughter. Lenore Rostock Hudak
G. Sol Metts
May 29, 2015
Godspeed Beloved Helen~ Skye's the Limit! Joyful for Our Moments; laughter; good memories. Gary Sol Metts
Jill Welch
May 29, 2015
I will miss the fabulous Helen so much. We shared tears and laughs. Helen was one of a kind. And Skye and Helen enriched my life. Michael and Jill Welch spent 911 with Helen and Skye. We bonded for life. I've had a health opportunity and did not want to burden Helen with it. But in retrospect I wish I had stayed in better contact. But I got to talk with Helen after Skye died and I am so sad for all
Of our loss.
Brad & Jackie Youst
May 29, 2015
Don and Stephen
We are sorry to hear of your family's loss, and we send our sincere condolences. We have great memories of Helen from YAS, Godspell, and other events at PA Playhouse. We hope that your love and fond memories of Helen will soften the hurt that you feel today.
Brad & Jackie Youst (Jackie Yawney)
Susan Ljunggren
May 29, 2015
Very saddened by the news... Prayers are with the whole family at this difficult time. I remember meeting Helen for the first time when I worked for her father.
God Bless all of you.
David, Eloise, Cotton Starr
May 29, 2015
Our heartfelt condolences to Donald and Stephen for your immense loss. May you be comforted in knowing that your beloved Helen will now be at peace. Our prayers remain with you always.
CHARLENE MAY
May 29, 2015
Donald and Stephen,
Semding you my sincerest condolences. My prayers are with your family. I loved knowing Helen and working with her and Skye. I'm sorry I cannot attend Helen's service this weekend as I will be out of town attending a family matter. Much love and hope to both of you.
Charlene May and Family
Christina Burns Muirhead
May 29, 2015
Our sincere condolences. Helen brought joy & laughter to our past holidays in Jamaica. Fond memories. Hugs & strength to Don & Steve and family & friends. Jim & Christina Muirhead
May 28, 2015
We are so saddened with the passing of Helen. She wasa friend, mentor and loved by all. All of our love, Lee, Julieann and Leslie Spanitz
Hazel Pepe
May 28, 2015
Dear Donald and Stephen I was so deeply saddened to hear about Helens passing . my heart is broken . I was calling her up and talking to her . I tried to call her for mothers Day to see how she was , she is now with her beautiful daughter Skye . may she rest in peace . I loved her . she was a nice friend as was our dear Skye . I will remember them in my prayers my husband jimmy and I wish to extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family. I will always remember you and Helen and Skye coming to the nursing home to see my mom in Wilkes-Barre, penna you all made her very happy before she died too . love friends hazel and jimmy pepe
Gail schultz
May 28, 2015
So very sorry for your lost. Helen will be missed by all that knew and loved her. Our love and prayers to the family.
Bob and Gail Schultz
Emily Abler
May 28, 2015
I love you Helen! I am so lucky and grateful to have had the honor of knowing you. Mama Bear, I know you're resting with Skye Baby, I'm glad you finally get to be with her again. Don and Steve, I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank you for all you and your whole family has done for me. Much Love, Em Abler
Denise Caiazzo
May 28, 2015
Rest in peace dear Helen. I will never forget our times together. You were so funny and we had many laughs together over the years even if it was just by phone as the miles separated us! I'll miss you Dah-ling!
Sending my heartfelt condolences to Steven, Donald and family. She will be missed. Knowing that she is with Skye is the only thing that softens the blow, if that's at all possible.
billy miller
May 28, 2015
to my favorite cousin,so many good times when we were young,i will never forget your voice or yor laugh.but the proudest memory i will always have of you...was when you did your dad's eulogy..and i remembered how wonderful and brave you were,and when i had to give my father's,you were the insperation..goodbye my dear....i will always love you and your family
Ilene Johanneson
May 28, 2015
I offer my sincere condolences on the loss of Helen. She was a bright, witty and generous woman who loved her friends and family. Treasure your sweet memories of her and stand together as a family to bid her a fond farewell. May God Bless You and the Soul of Helen.
Val & Stu Sanford
May 28, 2015
We are so very sorry to hear of Helen's passing. We have such wonderful memories of Helen as choreographer during "Godspell" at PA Playhouse in Bethlehem, PA, with Don as our Director. Our thoughts are with you, Don, and you are in our prayers.
Val & Stu Sanford
May 28, 2015
You will be missed by so many. It was an honor to call you my friend
Gail Hopper
Andrew Chambers
May 28, 2015
So sad to hear of your passing Helen - you will certainly be missed. The world is emptier without you here. May you rest in peace, reunited with Skye. Sincere condolences to your family - our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Don and Stephen at this time.
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