Bernita B. "Gabby" (Helsel) Petrusky

Bernita B. "Gabby" Petrusky, 93, Altoona, went home to be with the Lord Thursday at her residence.

She was born in Altoona, daughter of the late Jesse Miles and Eva Jeanette (Martin) Helsel. On March 3, 1951, she married Joseph Edward Petrusky in Brisbin, and he preceded her in death July 27, 2018.

Surviving are a daughter, Anita Jo Petrusky of Altoona; a granddaughter, Jacqueline Eve McConnell of Bedford; a niece, Sherry I. Turchetta of Altoona; and her beloved dog, Maggie Marie.

She was preceded in death by four children: Mary Eve McConnell, Joseph Martin Petrusky, Thomas Edward Petrusky and Bernita Ann Petrusky; a sister, Naomi G. Reed; and a brother, Howard Helsel. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Gabby was a 1943 graduate of Altoona High School. She was formerly employed by Sylvania as a Selex operator and at a later time was employed as a nurse's aide at the Altoona Hospital.

She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, Altoona and in her later years attended Altoona First Grace Brethren Church, Altoona. She was also a member of the Summit Country Club.

She enjoyed golfing, bowling, particularly in the morning league at Holliday Bowl, swimming at the YWCA and camping. She was a fantastic mother and grandmother and was a very hard worker. She especially enjoyed creating a beautiful home for herself and her family.

A special thank you to UPMC Home Nursing and Hospice and caregivers, Sherry Turchetta and Loretta Hoover, for their respectful and loving care afforded to Gabby.

There will be no viewing. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family at Grandview Cemetery, Altoona. Arrangements are by Myers-Somers Funeral Home Inc., 501 Sixth Ave., Altoona.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations please be made to Altoona First Grace Brethren Church, 2934 Maple Ave., Altoona, PA 16601 or to Mending Hearts Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 97, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648.

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