Eternal Memory: +Pani Helen Shutack
Monday, December 18, 2023
JOHNSTOWN, PA - [Diocesan Chancery] -- With profound sadness the Diocesan Chancery announces that Pani Helen Shutack, 96, of Phoenixville, PA, passed away peacefully on Saturday December 16, 2023 with family at her side.
She was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania on March 17, 1927, to George and Anna Selepetz. She was a long-time resident of Scranton, Phoenixville, PA and Stratford CT. She served as Pani at the Holy Ghost Orthodox Church from 1951 to 1975 and she continued to serve as Pani at St. John’s Orthodox Church in Stratford (Silver Lane) from 1978 to 2006. She was an exemplary Orthodox Christian priest’s wife, the right-hand woman supporting her husband in all facets of parish life. She taught Sunday School, baked for food and bake sales, and helped lead the congregational singing at St. John's Parish. Besides her service to the Church, she also worked with special needs children during her time in Connecticut.
She is survived by her daughter Justine Bradford, her husband Dean, their children Elizabeth, her husband Eric Gall and Steven Bradford, and her great granddaughter Emily. In addition, she is survived by her son Victor, his wife Leslie and their children Claire and Callum Shutack. In addition to her devoted husband and parents, she was predeceased by her brother, George, and sisters Mary, Ann, Irene, and Betti.
Her family, as well as parishioners, appreciated and enjoyed her love of baking cakes and bread. Her favorite recipes were pirohi and nut rolls.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday December 20, 2023 from 6 to 8 pm at Holy Ghost Orthodox Church, 70 Holy Ghost Way, Phoenixville, PA. A Parastas Service will begin at 7:30 pm. The Orthodox Burial Service will take place at 1 pm on Thursday December, 21, 2023 at Church.
The interment will be on Friday morning, December 22 at the Sky View Memorial Park in Hometown, PA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Pani Helen's memory to Holy Ghost Orthodox Church in Phoenixville, PA.
"In Blessed Repose, grant eternal rest, O Lord, to your newly-departed +Pani Helen and render eternal her memory!"