Helen G. (Gladun) Crowell

Helen G. Crowell, 95, of Monroeville, PA, went home to celebrate with her Lord and Savior Jesus on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2021, at Forbes Hospital.  She was born in Wilmington, DE, on March 25, 1926, to Anton and Anna (Zajshly) Gladun.  Her father died before her birth, but she grew to know God as her “Papa” God. 

Working in the Wilmington, DE, Dravos shipyard on an LST as an electrician’s helper (“Helen the Electrician”) as part of the WWII wartime effort and later working for the Pennsylvania Railroad, Helen corresponded with a handsome WWII Flying Fortress pilot through V-mail.  A mutual friend had written about his pretty co-worker and they married shortly after he returned from overseas.  Her husband Richard S. Crowell predeceased her in 2003 after 59 years of marriage. 

After marrying, she became full-time mom to 4 children.  (She also had 2 miscarriages.)  For many years, she participated in the Women’s Aglow Fellowship, in numerous Bible studies, and as a counselor on the phone prayer lines of Cornerstone Television Network of Pittsburgh.  Helen was very active and loved traveling, loved to laugh, and loved hunting for a good smorgasbord (her favorite being the Shady Maple).  She was always searching for the elusive heavenly éclair she once ate many years ago.

She is predeceased by 4 siblings: Catherine (Stephen) Trudnak, Paul (Ethel) Gladden, Tanya Gladun, and infant Michael Gladum; and numerous cousins and friends.

She is survived by her son Ronald Crowell of Kennesaw, GA; daughters Barbara (Randy) Barnes of Hudsonville, MI; Lori Crowell of Pittsburgh, PA; and Janet Crowell of Monroeville, PA. 

Survived by grandchildren Shawn (Stephanie) Barnes of Pensacola, FL; Christian Barnes of Grand Rapids, MI; Amanda C. F. Brown of Seattle, WA; greatgrandchildren Adam Yanyo and Braxton Barnes; niece Tara Saucedo and nephew Brian Gladden.

She is survived by a few granddogs, Sugar, Harvey, DC; predeceased by dogs Lessie, Mitzi, and cat Inky; survived by multiple chipmunks (especially Chippie!!), squirrels, deer, turkeys, and various birds, including her favorite eagles Hays and Hazel of Pittsburgh.  She loved watching the Pittsburgh Pirates (favs Bell, Cervelli, McCutchen, Marte, Melancon, Polanco) and Steelers (Polamalu and Bettis).  She always wanted to play baseball as a young girl and had a great pitching arm.

Many gleaned from her wisdom, learned from her close relationship with God, and loved her as a second mom.  She was a steadfast prayer warrior.  Her beautiful eyes would light up with joy when she talked about Jesus and no one intimidated her—she wanted everyone to know Him like she did.

For the safety of everyone during Covid, there will be no visitation.  Interment will be private at Gracelawn Memorial Park in New Castle, DE.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, 1 N Linden St. Duquesne, PA 15110 or online at pittsburghfoodbank.org/tribute

www.hartfuneralhomeinc.com