Patricia L. (Schwartz) Helsel

 Patricia Louise (Schwartz) Helsel, 90, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2023, surrounded by her family.   Born December 15, 1932, daughter of the late Theodore R. and Genevieve (Faust) Schwartz.   Preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years, William B. Helsel, and son-in-law John M. Khuri.   Survived by seven children: Kathleen Carr (James), Washington, D.C.; Lisa Khuri-Hull, (Mark); William (Denise Vandermark); Sheila Held (Randy); Steven (Coleen Connelly); Gregg (Erin Moschgat); all of Johnstown, and Wade (Dawn Lang), Fairless Hills, PA.   Also survived by 20 grandchildren:  Jennifer and Matthew Carr (Hannah Brubach); Zachary (Casey), Casey (Nick DiFrancesco), Max (Ashley), and Nick (Brigid) Khuri; Alyssa, Luke, and Maddison (Tyler Klopfer) Helsel; Randy (Miemie), Dustin (Kirsten), and Chad (fiancé Taylor) Held; Karch and Karson Helsel; Nigel(Devon), Neil (Liv), and Nash (fiancé Isabelle) Helsel; Bracken, Cameron, and Walker Helsel.   Also survived by 16 great-grandchildren.

Pat was a 1950 graduate of Johnstown High School where she was a member of the band and excelled in academics.   Pat studied medical technology at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and the Graduate School of Medical Technology at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Lancaster, PA, and worked as a lab technician in Lancaster and Johnstown before retiring from work to raise her family. 

Pat was a member of PTA organizations in Lancaster and Johnstown, an advisor for Lampeter-Strasburg Band Camp, and an officer in the Greater Johnstown High School Band Boosters.  She served as a Judge of Elections for Johnstown District 17-1, District Chairman for the Arthritis Foundation, and a volunteer for Heart, Leukemia, and Cancer campaigns, and the Salvation Army Christmas program.

Pat and her husband Bill served as organizers of many class reunions for the JHS Class of 1950.   She and Bill also teamed up to provide announcing and scoring support for the Johnstown High School basketball team in the 1970s.    Pat and Bill enjoyed travel, including visits to 39 state capitals with their son Gregg.

Pat (Mommom) was a wonderful, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who faithfully attended her family members’ athletic and school events and supported the annual Barnball Invitational Classic.   She provided cheer and love to her large extended family by mailing holiday treats to grandchildren and great-grandchildren for holidays throughout the year, hosting family Easter Egg Hunts, and hosting annual family lunches where she prepared a summary of the family milestones for the year.   Christmas was a special time of year for Pat: she created personalized Advent calendars for each of her children’s families, filled stockings for each child, grandchild, and great-grandchild, and displayed her collection of over 350 Santa figurines.   Her model of grace, love, and kindness will shape the family and friends that she touched forever.

Friends will be received at the Picking-Treece-Bennett Mortuary, Inc., 921 Menoher Blvd. on Sunday from 3-7 PM and Monday from 11 until time of service at 12 PM.  Entombment at Grandview Mausoleum. 

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Richard Kastelic, Interim Hospice and Villa Crest for their care and support.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Cambria County at https://www.humanecambria.org.

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