Helen M. Kukura

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA. — Helen M. Kukura, 100, formerly of Youngstown’s West Side, passed away Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Living Center in Virginia Beach, after a long and fulfilling life devoted to faith, family and her Slovak heritage.

Helen was born Nov. 22, 1925, in Youngstown, a daughter of the late Paul Glova and Mary Franko Glova. She lived in the Youngstown area for most of her life before moving to Virginia Beach several years ago to be closer to her family.

She attended Holy Name Elementary School and graduated from Chaney High School. In her younger years, Helen worked in the credit department at Strouss Department Store in downtown Youngstown and later as a sales clerk at the Austintown location. However, the role she embraced most fully was that of a devoted wife, mother and homemaker. Helen took great pride in creating a loving, welcoming home, centered around family, tradition and the values she held close. Her gentle presence, steady support and unwavering dedication helped shape the foundation on which her family grew.

Helen was a longtime and active member of the former Holy Name of Jesus Church in Youngstown. She was involved in the church ladies guild, the Rosary Society, and was a proud member of the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Union, the Slovak Catholic Sokol and the Jednota. Deeply rooted in her Slovak traditions, Helen carried a strong sense of faith, culture and community throughout her life, and she found her greatest joy in the company of her family.

Helen leaves to cherish her memory her four children, Kenneth (Kimberly) Kukura of Virginia Beach, Linda (Hilmar) Lassotta of Chico, Calif., Lorraine (Joseph) Soblosky of New Orleans, and James (Lorraine) Kukura of Virginia Beach; nine grandchildren, Phillip Kukura, Steven Kukura, Daniel (Kevana) Lassotta, Kristina (Steven) Young, Lauren Soblosky, Katherine (Kyle) Dorry, Monica Soblosky, Perry Kukura and Ashley (John) Spear; and eight great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Jackson, Juneau, Madeline, Emily, Ariana, Luke and Kaitlyn. She also leaves many extended family members who loved her dearly.

Her husband of 60 years, Cyril M. Kukura, whom she married Aug. 16, 1950, died May 31, 2010. A brother, Thomas Glova, and a sister, Catherine Bozick, also preceded her in death.

Family and friends may call from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home and continue with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Christine Church, 3165 S. Schenley Ave., Youngstown.

Entombment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown, where Helen will be laid to rest beside her beloved Cyril.