Helen J. Bravis

1941 - 2025

Helen J. Bravis, 83, of Derry, passed away on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Born Dec. 10, 1941, in the coal mining village of Brenizer, Helen was the daughter of the late Richard F. Cummings and Helen E. (Yates) Cummings. On Aug. 9, 1958, Helen married John J. Bravis Jr., and they forged a strong, exemplary marriage for 55 years that set an example for their children and grandsons of loyalty, respect, and overwhelming love for each other that was only broken upon John's death in 2014. Helen was born a coal miner's daughter when miners had to live in company houses, were paid with company money, and were forced to make purchases from the company store. Helen often commented, "Everyone was poor at that time, so we didn't know any different." Those early years molded a Scotch-Irish woman who was strong, selfless, and generous and who complained about nothing, even in this last year of failing health. Working as a dedicated office manager for the OB/GYN practice of Dr. Dilip Kar, in Latrobe, Helen held Dr. Kar and his family in the highest regard. Dr. Kar was so good to her and we thank him. Helen thoroughly enjoyed baking, especially wedding cakes (almond torts were a favorite) and fancy cookies. She supplied many weddings and a tray of mixed cookies piled high when she perceived someone was in need. Strongly and fiercely dedicated to her family, Mom placed everyone's needs before hers. Helen created a loving and happy home, singing to wake us on school mornings, but following with a cold, wet washcloth if we weren't quick out of bed. She would say, "If your dad and I don't go to work, we don't get paid. If you don't go to school, you don't learn." She loved those grandsons! Helen didn't miss a sporting event or school activity, sometimes traveling out of state, and was fortunate to share in her grandsons' milestones and marriages. Helen thoroughly enjoyed visiting her three grandsons while they attended Penn State. Her grandsons describe Gram as joyful and gentle, and she influenced them with a calming and kind aura. She never voiced harshness, even when Hunter hit a golf ball through a glass window. Helen's grandsons were unanimous in saying they will miss holding her hand the most. Those boys, now men, have hearts that ache for their Gram. We'll miss her dearly, but we know we had one of the best. Helen is survived by her daughter, Linda A. Dillon, of Derry, who dedicated this past year to taking care of her mother and keeping her at home as much as possible; son, John R. Bravis, and his wife, Amy J. (Hile), whom Helen treated like a daughter with mutual love, of Port Matilda. Also surviving are Helen's cherished grandsons and wives, Sean Dillon (Maria), Hunter Bravis (Alexa), and Connor Bravis (Sara). Helen was thrilled to finally have great-grandchildren, Banks and Bennett Bravis. Helen is also survived by a sister, Georgine Loughry; and a sister-in-law, Darlene Cummings. She was preceded in death by siblings, Dorothy Crnovic, Richard "Dick" Cummings, and Jay Cummings. There were no public visitations. Private interment and service was at St. Mary's Cemetery, Latrobe. Arrangements were handled by LOPATICH-BRINKER FUNERAL HOME LLC, 601 Weldon St., Latrobe. To sign the online guest book, send condolences, or share a story, please visit www.lopatichbrinker.com.