Helen "Ella" Mae Sacco's Obituary
Helen "Ella" Mae (Starcevich) Sacco, was born May 1, 1921 in Jerome, Iowa. She died September 14, 2019 in Centerville, Iowa. Helen was the youngest of eight children born to Anton and Louise Starcevich. She attended the Jerome schools. Helen married John Sacco on August 31, 1940 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Centerville. They were married 57 years until John's death in 1997. They enjoyed traveling, hosting costume parties and dancing at polkas. Helen was a nurse aide, working at St. Joseph's/Mercy Hospital in Centerville, and for nearly 25 years as an office nurse for family medicine doctor, E.F. Ritter, M.D. She later provided home care assistance to several relatives and others in the community. She was a prolific cook, sharing her home-baked bread, homemade lasagna and fried chicken with many. Helen also liked to play cards with friends. She was a loving mother and grandmother, often spending her days off with her grandchildren. They share many memories of her taking them to the Centerville Park and cooking "man" pancakes for breakfast. She was a devoted member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and attended Mass weekly. She rarely missed even when she began walking with a cane. Helen is survived by her daughters: Linda (Bobby) Sowder and Margie Crowell, both of Centerville, Iowa. Her grandchildren: Greg Sowder (Gwen) of Kansas City, Missouri, Michael Sowder (Terri Kanak) of Spring Branch, Texas, Thad Sowder (Rebecca) of Gold Canyon, Arizona, Leslie Baker of Edmond, Oklahoma, Travis Crowell (Amanda) of Davenport, Iowa and Tatum Marcussen (Randy) of Centerville; 10 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John Sacco; their stillborn daughter, Josephine Sacco; son-in-law, Gary "Punki" Crowell and all of her siblings: Paul Starcevich, Frank Starcevich, Vinko Starcevich, Mary Zemo, Marie Risher, Anna Buban, and Louise "Pep" Thomas. The family extends a special thank you to the nurses, staff and volunteers in the Long-Term Care at MercyOne Centerville Medical Center and EveryStep Hospice, and to the many friends and relatives who visited Helen there. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 21, 2019 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Centerville. Interment will immediately follow at Oakland Cemetery 1005 E. State Street in Centerville. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services from 10-11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Helen's memory to the Long-Term Care Center at MercyOne Centerville, c/o Mercy Medical Foundation, and St. Mary's Catholic Church, 838 S. 18th St., Centerville, Iowa 52544 and online condolences may be shared at www.thomasfh.com or facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Helen "Ella" Mae Sacco please visit our Sympathy Store. Cemetery Details Oakland Cemetery State St.
N. 21st St.
Centerville, IA 52544 Visitation SEP 21. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (CDT) St Mary's Catholic Church 828 S 18thCenterville, IA 52544 Mass of Christian Burial SEP 21. 11:00 AM (CDT) St Mary's Catholic Church 828 S 18thCenterville, IA 52544
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