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Helen Starner Larocca
1918 - 2013
Helen Starner Larocca
1918 - 2013
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1918
DIED
2013
Helen Larocca Obituary
Helen Starner Larocca, 94, passed away September 17, 2013, at St. Mary's East in Erie, Pennsylvania. Daughter of William and Gertrude Werner Starner, Helen was born December 27, 1918 in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. A 1937 graduate of Stow High School, Helen lived in Cuyahoga Falls until 1972 when she and her late husband, Frank, moved to Florida. She remained in Bonita Springs, Florida, where she was a member of St. Leo's Church, until 2007 when she moved to Erie, Pennsylvania, to be near her daughter.Helen is survived by her daughter, Angie Kontur, of Erie; granddaughters Constance (Gregory) Dalvito of New York City, and Gina Kontur of Erie; great grandchildren Amelia, Jamie and Charlotte Dalvito of New York City; sister and brother-in-law Grace and John Morrison of Akron, Ohio; brother Ralph Starner of Akron; brother-in-law Pete LaRocca of Cuyahoga Falls and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and her husband of 55 years, Frank, she was preceded in death by siblings Charles, Marie, George, Loretta, Edward, James, Robert, Mary Jane, Martha and Walter and son-in-law James Kontur.
Helen's passion in life was traveling, from an autumn hike in the woods to a cruise around the horn of South America. She visited six continents and loved adventure whether it be hot air ballooning, swimming with dolphins, flying in a glider or climbing Ayers Rock in Australia. At age 75 she hopped on the back of a snowmobile with her daughter and rode the 150 mile circuit of Yellowstone National Park in one day. At age 85 she rode a camel in Egypt and climbed the Great Wall of China. When she was home at her beloved Bonita Beach condo she could be seen every morning at the crack of dawn briskly walking five miles on the beach. She continued doing this until she suffered a stroke nearing her 89th birthday.
Friends may call at the Burton Wintergreen Funeral Home, 2532 Norcross Road on Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and are invited to attend Funeral Mass at St. Patrick's Church 130East 4th Street on Saturday at Noon with Monsignor Henry Kriegel celebrant.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to World Wildlife Fund, 1250 24th St. NW, Washington, DC 20090-7180 or St. Patrick's Food Pantry, 130 E. 4th St., Erie, PA 16507.
Burial services will be in Fort Myers, Florida Memorial Gardens Saturday, September 28that 10a.m..
Send condolences at www.Burtonfuneralhome.com.
Sign the Guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
January 27, 2014
Ontario ca
s Davis
January 18, 2014
We are sorry to just hear of Aunt Helen's passing. We are one of the families of her brother Charles. I met her once and she was very warm and funny. God bless.
Margie and Darlene Fetzer
September 25, 2013
Helen was an amazing woman and lived an extreme adventure here on earth -from Mexican hat dancing in Mexico City, to hot air balloon races and camel races in Reno, to Broadway and Vegas shows, to Champagne Parties in Heavenly Valley, to cruises and scuba diving and swimming in the Altantic Ocean and Walking the Brooklyn bridge cause it was there, to climbing on the China wall,touring the national parks and going up on the ski lifts. When she got the "Get up and go pass" She went somewhere almost every week. Her life was an extreme adventure and no matter where she was she never missed a Sunday Church service. She had a strong faith and nothing bothered her. Death is just another adventure for her and just the beginning of her new Heavenly Journey with her Lord and family and friends who went before her. She will be missed and never forgotten by those who knew her and one day we will be together again and join her in her Heavenly journey. Gods Peace and Love, till we meet again..
Sandy (Starner) Struchen
September 19, 2013
It's been a long time since I've seen my Aunt Helen. I remember her when I was a little girl. She was so funny. She would tell jokes that turned into this little comedy routine. Good memories.
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ClaireMarie Kudlak
September 19, 2013
Angie, Your mother sounds like an outstanding woman who loved her life! Her adventures are marvelous. You are in my prayers. Peace and Blessings
Bobbie Nair
September 19, 2013
Dear Angie, Gina, Constance and their families,
I am so sorry for your loss. Helen and I had a lot of fun together and a lot of remarkable trips we made together along with our friend Margie. We will always remember all the good times we had with her.
September 19, 2013
Gina and family,
We are sending good thoughts and prayers your way as you remember the wonderful times with your Grandma.
We love you,
Cheri and Garrett McGuire
September 19, 2013
Dear Mrs. Kontur, Gina & family, I am sorry for your loss. I didn't know your mom/grandma but wow does she sound like she didn't miss a thing in her full life. I'm sure you can find peace in knowing she enjoyed the time she had here on earth. XOXO - Ann Kaspick
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2532 Norcross Rd, Erie, PA 16510
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