SANSONE, Helen Elizabeth

Norvel Owens Mortuary, Flagstaff, Arizona Helen Elizabeth Sansone (August 18, 1922 - December 25, 2014) Helen Elizabeth Sansone died December 25, 2014 at the Olivia White Hospice Home in Flagstaff. She was born August 18th, 1922 in Alaquippa, PA. Her parents, Niko Cavric and Anna Trdenic, were Croatian immigrants. After her mother died at 29, leaving 1 daughter and 3 sons, her father remarried and had 4 more children, with whom she was very close. During the Depression the older children contributed to the family income by picking and selling berries collected near the home and eventually left school early to work. Helen was most proud of her time as a "Rosie" during WWII working as an electrical parts inspector at Middletown Air Depot. She raised her family in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, living in the same house for 53 years. She enjoyed the Croatian club in nearby Steelton and speaking Croatian with her sisters. She was an excellent seamstress, making many of her daughters' clothes when they were young. After the death of her husband in 2011, she lived first with her daughter Jen in Hershey before moving to Flagstaff in February. Helen enjoyed gardening, daily walks, and was very interested in astronomy and archeology. She loved her work as a volunteer at Lowell Observatory and Wednesday night Wings with friends and family. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Joseph Sansone, and leaves behind 3 daughters: Antoinette Beiser (Stephen), Joann Delaney (Paul) and Jennifer Cromwell (Oliver); 4 grandchildren: Mike, Misha, Laura, and Will; 2 sisters: Mary (Armond Acri), Anita Thompson, and a brother George Cavrich (Ann). She was much loved by her family and friends and will be missed. Services will be held in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and donations in her memory can be made to Lowell Observatory.