PRIATKO HELEN (DUTKA) Age 81, ended her 30 year struggle with breast and bladder cancer with her peaceful passing on Wednesday, June 25, 2014, at UPMC Mercy Hospital, surrounded by her loving family as they sang liturgical hymns and prayed. She was born February 18, 1933, in Braddock, a daughter of the late Alexander and Catherine Senkow Dutka. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Walter Dutka and Reverend Joseph Dutka. She is survived by her caring husband of 57 years, Bill; her loving children, Debbie Priatko and Dan Priatko of North Huntingdon, Lt. Colonel Dave Priatko (US Army, Retired) and his wife, Dottie of Toccoa, Georgia, and Kathy Sekera and her husband, Keith of Level Green; and four grandchildren, Michaela and David Priatko and Kurtis and Kristopher Sekera; she is also survived by her sisters, Olga Prascsak of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Rose Marie Estrella of Longwood, Florida; and her brothers, Alexander Dutka of Monroeville and John Dutka of North Huntingdon; she is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was a long-time member of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Donora, where she enjoyed singing in the church choir and was a proud, active member of the St. Nicholas Society and the Federated Orthodox Christians in America. She loved Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and loved her family and friends. She adored being affectionately called "my little Katrinka" by her loving husband, Bill. She was the epitome of a wonderful Christian wife and mother; she will be dearly missed. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at UPMC Mercy Hospital, especially Same Day Surgery and the Intensive Care Unit, for their wonderful compassion and loving care. They especially thank Dr. James McCague for his extraordinary professionalism and compassion during Helen's 30 year cancer challenge. Family and friends will be received on Saturday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., and Sunday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the JAMES W. SHIRLEY FUNERAL HOME, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA. A short Panahida will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday in the funeral home. A Funeral Service will be held Monday at 10 a.m. at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Donora with the Very Reverend Igor Soroka officiating. Please go directly to the church. Interment will follow in Monongahela Cemetery in North Braddock. Donations may be made to Helen's favorite fund, the St. Nicholas Orthodox Church Endowment Fund, One St. Nicholas Drive, Donora, PA, 15033 in her memory. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com Send condolences at post-gazette.com/gb
