Helen Croft Obituary
On Sun., May 10, 2009, Helen F. Croft, age 45, of Ben Avon Heights. Beloved wife of William "Corky" Croft; daughter of Angela and the late Thomas Thurlow; loving mother of Jacob "Coby" Croft and Hannah Croft; sister of Winthrop (Louise) Thurlow, Mia Thurlow, Nicholas (Theresa) Thurlow; sister-in-law of Dennis, Robert (Carol), Michael (Yvonne), James (Lori) and David (Nancy) Croft; also survived by 16 nieces and nephews. Helen was an art teacher at Hosack Elementary School (North Allegheny School District) for 17 years. She was a member of Shannopin C.C. where she served on the pool committee and was a soccer coach for the Avonworth Soccer Assoc. Friends received Thurs. & Fri. 6-8pm only at the LAWRENCE T. MILLER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 460 Lincoln Ave., Bellevue. Memorial Service will be held at the Community Presbyterian Church of Ben Avon on Sat. at 11am. A Custodial Account has been established for Coby and Hannah's education. Please make checks payable to "William Croft", mailed to PNC Bank, Attn: William G. Kammerer III, 470 Lincoln Ave., Pgh., PA 15202.
www.ltmillerfuneralhome.com
Send condolences at post-gazette.com/gb
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dave & Lucille Philipson
May 26, 2009
We were so shocked and saddened to learn of Helen's untimely death. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you at this difficult time. We hope your fond memories of your lives together can somehow ease some of your pain. We are so glad we were able to visit with her last July at her mom's house in Cortland. I can still see her beautiful smile and big eyes.She was a great lady.We will continue to keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Anne Papalia-Berardi
May 25, 2009
I had the pleasure of going to school with Helen from kindergarten through high school. I will always remember her positive and encouraging attitude and her willingness to help -gifts that she shared with others throughout her life. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Jonathan Croft
May 22, 2009
Dear Uncle Corky,
It has been a really long time. I wish this tragedy wasn't the reason for us to get in contact with each other. Me and my family send our condolences and will pray for you and yours.
Jonathan C. Croft
Sarah Mammay
May 19, 2009
I had observed Ms. Croft in the classroom. As a art education student at Carlow, it was an honor to get to observe Ms. Croft's classroom. I looked up to her for her talents and hoped that one day I would be able to student teach under her. She was an extremely talented art teacher and I will never forget her and how she had inspired me.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Susan Dovi
May 18, 2009
Dear Croft family,
I was friends with Helen when we worked together years ago at Joannn Fabrics in Cortland. I am so saddened to hear she has passed. Her smile will remain in my memory always. We had many good laughs together. You are all in my prayers. Susan Dovi
Claire (Naylon) Vaccaro
May 18, 2009
Dear Corky,
I am so sorry. Even though we lived far apart it was such a joy to hear Helen talk about her life and you and the kids in emails. That mix of pure blunt honesty and an amazing sense of humor. And that laugh...one of those laughs you can hear in your head whenever you want to because it is unforgettable.
I am so sad. I was a very lucky girl to get to spend all those months traveling around Europe with such a fun, adventurous and amazing friend.
I recently found a journal I kept from our travels...so funny as you can imagine. Hopefully someday I can share it with you and the children.
Sending love to you and Hannah and Coby,
Claire
Penny Ottman-Feeney
May 18, 2009
I was so sorry to read of Helen's passing in the paper. I met Helen during Freshman Orientation at Buffalo State. She had such a wonderful spirit and beautiful smile. Evne though I haven't seen her since our college days I think of her everytime I pass through Cortland, she left a lasting impression on me. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jay Scott Croft
May 17, 2009
Uncle Corky,
Please accept our condolences for your loss. Unfortunately, I only met Aunt Helen a few times many years ago. I only wish that I had the opportunity to get to know her better than I did. My father has always told me that she was an exceptional person. I have never met Coby and Hannah but I can't wait to meet them. I should be out in the Pittsburgh area in about a month and would really like to see you and the kids. It's been too many years and it's hard to imagine your pain. I can still remember the summers in Lorraine and how fun loving you were. You taught me how to play baseball the right way in very few opportunties, and I will always remember those days. I have tried to pass those lessons on to my son, Jason,and he seems to have taken to them well. Again, please accept my condolences and you and yours are in my thoughts.
Kelly Pahel
May 17, 2009
Corky and Family,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you. We are truly sorry for your loss. Love, your friends at Max & Erma's, Peters Twp.
Vicki, Rich & Ricky Lawniczak
May 17, 2009
Corky, Coby & Hannah,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Helen was a wonderful person, and we are all blessed to have known her. Coby and Hannah, always remember a very big part of your mom will live on through you.
Sharon Shenck
May 17, 2009
Corky, I am truly very sorry for your loss. Helen coached both of my daughters in soccer and she was always one of their favorites. We will all miss her smile and positive attitude. You and your children will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Ashley Schwartz
May 17, 2009
Dear Croft Family,
I'm sorry for your loss. Mrs. Coft was my art teacher when I went to Hosack. She was really nice amd I'll miss her.
Laura Snyder Pulaski
May 16, 2009
It's been many years since we were all in high school together, but when I picture Helen, she was always smiling. It is truly a shock that she is gone. I will keep your family in my prayer.
Mary Lou Coleman
May 16, 2009
Corky,
You and your children are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May God give you courage and strength during the coming weeks as you move forward. You now have a special angel watching over you.
Tara Petronic
May 15, 2009
I worked with Helen as my cooperating teacher at Hosack just four years ago. I am so sorry for your loss, your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Kelley (Reagan) Hurst-Hess
May 15, 2009
Corky and Family and all the Thurlows,
I cannot adequately express my saddness and disbelief that Helen is not longer with us. As school mates we were inseparable, later in life, as life has a way of doing, things got so busy and full with children and careers that too much time passed with no contact. Helen was never out of my thoughts or heart, however. You always think that there will be time enough and world enough to reestablish bonds with people who mean so much to you..."after the kids are raised"..."after I get this paper written..." "after, after, after". Helen's lasting legacy to all of us should be to live the moment you're in but never forget life is short and keep those people who mean the most close by, sometimes there is no "after". I loved her so very much and can't believe I'll never again set eyes upon her or tell her what she meant to me. I believe in my heart, however, that she already knows...even though I haven't heard it in 8 years, ever since I found out I hear her laugh in my head as if she were standing next to me. I wish I could get there to be with all of you as you go through this. My deepest condolences to all of you and know that today and everyday you'll all be in my thoughts and prayers. In love and frienship...
Eric Calderaro
May 15, 2009
I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Susan Funderlich
May 15, 2009
May God hold you all in the palm of His hand for strength, peace and comfort at this most difficult time. The memory of her artistic spirit will live on in the children she loved and who loved her, and in the words of my 10 year old daughter who was a student of Helen's...all the art created by her students are now masterpieces...
David Lips
May 15, 2009
Dear Corky,Coby&Hannah,
Anyone who has ever met Helen knew in an instant what a very special woman she was. Everyone could see that she had a special nature about her. A woman with a wonderful sense of humor and a smile that was truly infectious.
We can all thank the Lord for having the PRIVILEGE of knowing her. Helen truly will be missed and thought of often.
All of my love to one of my best friends in the world and your family.
Dave
Lew and Julie Gardner
May 14, 2009
Corky, Coby, and Hannah,
Our thoughts are with you. Helen was a beautiful person that touched so many lives. We are lucky to always have her garden in our windows.
Brian Simone
May 14, 2009
Corky,
So very sorry to hear of Helen's passing. She was a beautiful and caring person and I will always remember how warmly she made everyone felt that had the privlidge of meeting her.
Our prayers are with you and your family.
Denise (Peer) McCole
May 14, 2009
I went to high school with Helen and was so saddened to hear of her sudden passing. I remember her as energetic, fun and very talented! I am sorry for your loss.
Kelly (& Tori) Pernell
May 14, 2009
Corky, Coby and Hannah,
It has been quite some time since we've seen any of you (at least a decade, I believe) but I have some very fond memories of all of you from TenderCare. My heart breaks for you. Helen was a beautiful person in every way and I am so sorry to hear about her passing.
Tracey Mundorf
May 14, 2009
Dear Corky, Coby and Hannah,
I know that you don't know me but I have heard so many wonderful things about Helen and your family through my sister, Amy Giampole, and my nephew, Michael. May God grant you the strength to help guide you through this extremely difficult time. Please know that there are many thoughts and prayers with all of you.
Walt and Rose Carpenter
May 14, 2009
Corky, You are in our thoughts at this most difficult time. We will remember Helen's smile and sense of humor. Helen was a true gem. God bless you and your family.
Gina Brandon
May 14, 2009
Dear Corky, Coby and Hannah,
May God grant you the strength and courage as you move forward. Hold your memories in your heart. Helen was like a "breath of fresh air" - a wonderful, kind lady. Her spirit and memories will be with you. Gina Brandon
Rocco Giglio
May 14, 2009
Our Sympathy & Prayers go out to all of you in hearing this shocking news.
May God bring you courage & fond memories that will bring you comfort in knowing Helen is in heaven.
Love,
Rocco & Johanna Giglio
Jemma Carr
May 13, 2009
Dear Croft Family,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I was a teacher at Tender Care when Coby and Hannah attended. She was one of my favorite mom's. She was always so friendly and such a wonderful person.
Nancy (Wright) Caruana
May 13, 2009
Dear Corky, Its been many years since you were with USAIR so I never had the pleasure to meet Helen. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this time...
Laura Randall
May 13, 2009
I had the pleasure of coaching Avonworth soccer with Helen. She really did make the people around her feel good - she had that special kind of dynamic, magnetic personality. Please accept our sympathy and know she was a truly special person.
Lisa Squillante-Keefer
May 13, 2009
Dear Corky
I was saddened to read the news of Helen's passing. My heart goes out to you and your children. My Dad also suddenly passed away on April 8 so I truly sympathize with the pain you are feeling in losing your loved one. Please know that I will keep your family in my prayers.
Ruth Butler
May 13, 2009
Dear Croft Family:
My son Jonathan had Mrs. Croft when he was at Espe. I also substituted for her many times at NA. She was a wonderful, bubbly, beautiful person. You are in my prayers
Tracy Costa-Beck
May 13, 2009
Corky,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you, Coby and Hannah. Helen touched the lives of everyone she knew and met because she was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. She was genuine and vibrant. May God bless you and guide you through this difficult time.
Susan Kreh
May 13, 2009
Dear Corky, Coby and Hannah,
We were so sad to hear the news of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you make your way through this difficult time. Hopefully you can find some solace in knowing that Helen was such a wonderful person who touched the lives of everyone she met. She was absolutely one of the most positive people I have ever known. From the wonderful days we shared at the pool, to the wonderful teacher she was at McKnight and all of the other schools where she taught over the years, Helen left a fun and happy and supportive atmosphere everywhere she went. And as we spent those afternoons and evenings talking by the pool, it was clear that the three of you were the center of Helen's world and the source of her happiness. She was so proud of all of you and loved you so dearly.
Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
With sympathy and love,
Susan, Kirsten & Katey Kreh and
Glen, Chelsea and Joe Quarrie
Tracy Shepherd
May 13, 2009
Dear Coby & Hannah,
Thank you for sharing your mom with the Hosack community. She truly personified a positive attitude, enjoyment of life and supported all the kids including my 3 at school over the years. We've always loved the end-of-year art packets she sent home and appreciated all the emergency repairs she has performed with her trusty glue gun!
Kevin, Margo, Keegan, & Peyton Holleran
May 13, 2009
Corky,Coby, & Hannah
We have you in our prayers and in our hearts, we are so truly sorry for your loss. Some people go through life without passion; Helen lived life. Making the stranger feel like a freind and freinds feel like family. No easy task, what a very special person. She has made an imprint on so many lives. The love and warmth that Helen generated will be with all of us forever.
Kathy & Bob Rees
May 13, 2009
Corky,Coby and Hannah, We are so sorry to hear about your wife/mother please know that you will always be in our thoughts and prayers. Helen always had a wonderful smile.
May 13, 2009
Dear Corky, Coby and Hannah:
Our thoughts and love are with you all.
Mike, Yvonne, Chris and Stephen Croft
May 13, 2009
Corky & Family,
My thoughts & prayers are with you.
Jen Johnson - Crown Castle
Jeffrey Latcheran
May 13, 2009
Corky,
I'm thinking of you and wishing you hope in your time of sorrow and comfort in your time of pain. I know these words no matter how thoughtful will never take away the heartache you are feeling at this moment. Helen touched my life with her smile and her laughter. She will be missed dearly by all of us. I truly hope you find comfort by holding close your memories of her and knowing that she will always be there in your thoughts, in your heart, and in all that you do.
Lean on me if you need me. I am here for you!
With Heartfelt Sympathy,
Cheryl and Sam Bavely, and Eddie Kurtz
May 13, 2009
Dear Corky, Coby and Hannah,
Our paths first crossed a few years ago when our boys played youth baseball together. I remember that you and Helen opened your home to the players and their families to have a get together after the season. We could see what a friendly, loving and close family you and Helen had created. Helen will be terribly missed by everyone whose path she did cross. Please accept our deepest sympathy during this difficult time.
Denise Willson
May 13, 2009
Dear Corky, Coby and Hannah,
We send our love and support at this very difficult time.
With our deepest sympathy,
Denise, Randy and Amelia Willson (Cuteri)
Becky Henninger
May 13, 2009
I met Helen a little over 2 months ago when Hannah started playing on my daughter's soccer team. All of my interactions with Helen were very pleasant--she was very easy to talk to and I was looking forward to getting to know her as she and I had many of the same interests. I've heard and read so many things about Helen over the past couple of days and I'm truly sorry that I won't know the wonderful person that all of you had the privilege of knowing. From the conversations that I had with Helen, I know that she was very proud of her family and my sense was that she was a great mother and wife. May the memories that you created as a family provide you with peace as you work your way through the pain of your loss.
Fran, Brian Vales
May 13, 2009
Corky, Coby and Hannah,
Helen will be greatly missed. She was always so kind and caring. She left a lasting impression on our hearts. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Barbara Griffith
May 13, 2009
Your wife will be sorely missed by the Hosack community.
May 13, 2009
Corky, Coby and Hannah,
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Helen made such a positive impact on everyone she knew and met. Please let me know if there's anything I can do.
With Love, Lori Moses
Dave Reese
May 13, 2009
Corky,
There is no way for me to adequately express my shock and grief over your loss of Helen.
I can only pray that you and your family will find in God the strength, hope and courage to continue to love and comfort and support each other during this tragedy in your lives.
Most sincerely,
Wendy and Dan Herchenroether
May 13, 2009
It was a privilege to know Helen. She was so talented, friendly, and fun to be with. So many people were touched by her warm and caring nature, and she contributed so much to her community. She will be deeply missed by us all.
Colby Wood
May 13, 2009
I first met Helen Croft through my Mother, Carol, who is a teacher at North Allegheny. I was in college at the time, and Helen really took an interest in what I was studying and my life at school. She was simply one of the nicest, most energetic people I'd ever met. My son went to Kindergarten at Hosack, and Helen was there to greet him on his first day to help him feel comfortable. I know she touched a lot of people's lives, including my family, and she will be dearly missed by those at North Allegheny and everywhere else she's ever been.
Judy Daw
May 13, 2009
Helen will be greatly missed by the North Allegheny Community.
May 13, 2009
Corky, Coby and Hannah,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy .
Chuck & Anita Falce
Jennie Herrington
May 13, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. Please don't hesitate to lean on us.
Love, Aunt Ruth and Jennie
Debbie Romanelli
May 13, 2009
Corky,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you, Coby, Hannah, and your entire family. It has been a few years since the "Tender Care Years", but I have had the pleasure of seeing Helen often at Hosack where my children had the priviledge of having her for art. It is never said enough but Helen was truly the nicest person, who always had a positive thing to say about my children. Helen was an excellent role model and a positive influlence on my children. I will truly miss our warm conversations and her great sense of humor.
Debbie Romanelli-Director at Temder Care Learning Center/Parent at Hosack
Showing 1 - 53 of 53 results
460 Lincoln Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202
Make a Donation
in Helen Croft's name
How to support Helen's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Helen Croft's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
