Helen Frances Stofega

On June 17 th , 2024, Helen Frances Stofega passed away at the Pat Roche Hospice House in Hingham, Massachusetts, after struggling with cancer. Helen was 95 years old at the time of her death, and she was part of a family of six children born to parents Matilda and Mile Rukavina. Helen was born in Chicago, Illinois, but grew up in Clairton, PA, and Pittsburgh, PA. Helen attended the University of Pittsburgh and received a Bachelor of Arts in general studies. After graduation, she moved to Washington, D.C., where she shared an apartment with her sister, Mary Rukavina. She eventually met her future husband, Julius Stofega, a civil engineer with the Army Corps of Engineers. Helen and Julius were married on November 21st, 1959, and moved to Maryland, settling in Seabrook. Throughout her life, Helen was an active member of the New Carrolton Women’s Tennis Club, a member of the local PTA, and the Presley Manor Civic Association. Helen enjoyed classical music, often attending concerts at the Kennedy Center and reading and learning about Eastern European history.

Sadly, Julius passed away on July 4th, 2022. Helen and Julius are survived by three children, William, Gregory, and Mary, and four grandchildren, Robert, Thomas, William, and Margaret. Instead of flowers after completing the American Cancer Society donation form that is located on its website, please send donations to the American Cancer Society at: American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741