Sister Helen Chervanek, a Sister of Charity of Nazareth, was called to her heavenly home on Jan. 1, 2020, at the age of 89 and in the 69th year of her religious life. Sister entered the Congregation of the Vincentian Sisters of Charity from Saint Ann Parish in Homestead, Pennsylvania, in 1950.

She received her Bachelor and Masters in Education degrees from Duquesne University and served the Church as a kindergarten and elementary teacher for 54 years in the Dioceses of Pittsburgh and Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Sister taught 37 of those 54 years at Saint Sebastian School in the North Hills of Pittsburgh. Twice during her teaching career, she was honored with receiving the prestigious Golden Apple Award and the Manifesting the Kingdom award from the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

Sister Helen had a special love for her kindergarten classes. She treated each child special and joy permeated her classroom. Sister made an extra effort to connect with the parents and grandparents of her children. She was often seen cheering for the school team at sporting events and volunteered on many occasions with parish activities.

After retiring, Sister Helen remained quite active as a driver for her convent community, driving Sisters to appointments and wherever they needed to go. You could always count on Sister to have a smile on her face, and a “can do” helping attitude.

Sister Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Stephen and Mary Chervenak, and sisters, Mary and Ann, and her brother, Fr. Steve. She is survived by her sisters, Margaret and Christine, and her brother, Dr. John, nieces, nephews, cousins and her sisters in community.

Friends will be received at St. Louise Convent, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020, from 2-8 p.m. and Monday, Jan. 6 from 9-10:30 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered in the convent chapel on Monday, Jan. 6, 2020, at 11 a.m., followed by internment in the Sisters’ cemetery on the convent grounds.