July 29, 1934 - February 15, 2014
Viewing Location: 38001 Euclid Avenue, Willoughby, OH 44094
Viewings: 1 to 3 and 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014
On Feb. 15, 2014, Helen Mihelcic Arter, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, peacefully passed into His loving arms after courageously battling cancer at home, surrounded by her loving family. She was 79 years old. Helen was born July 29, 1934, in Washington, Pa. She was preceded in death by her parents, Anthony and Amalia Mihelcic; sister, Marie Mako; brothers, Walter and Anthony Mihelcic; sister-in-law, Alice Mihelcic; and brother-in-law, Stephen Mako. Helen is survived by her husband and best friend, David Arter; children, David Arter Jr., Diane Arter, Susan (Joseph W.) Palmer, Barbara Arter and Patricia (Michael G.) Lors; grandchildren, William Arter, Beverly Arter (Marcus) Kelley, William, Evan, and Joseph D. Palmer, Amanda Austen (Todd) King, Jennifer Austen, Alyssa and Catherine Carroll, and Danielle and Michael D. Lors; great-grandson, Tyler Demand; brother, Frank (Amy) Mihelcic; sister-in-law, Bonnie Mihelcic; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous dear friends. Helen was raised in Cleveland, and graduated from Collinwood High School. After graduation, she worked at TRW, where she met the love of her life, David. On July 7, 1956, Helen and David were married and began their 57-year journey together. Helen found great joy in her roles as a wife, mother, homemaker, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a hard-working and dedicated mother who stayed home to raise her five children. Helen was gifted in fostering each of her children's abilities and encouraged them to pursue their dreams. As the children grew older, Helen found personal satisfaction when she returned to school and went back to work at TRW, from where she eventually retired. Helen was happiest when she was working in her garden and could feel the earth between her hands and the sun on her face. Her love for nature and beauty was evident in the great care she took with her garden, flowerbeds and home. A woman of spirituality and faith, Helen made deep and lasting friendships at the parishes of St. Jerome's, St. William's, and Immaculate Conception. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of those she loved and who loved her. As a 10-year hospice volunteer herself, Helen wished to give special thanks to the dedicated people at Hospice of the Western Reserve for their tender care in her final days. A celebration of Helen's life and Funeral Mass will be 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014, at Immaculate Conception Church, 37932 Euclid Ave., Willoughby. Interment will be held at Lakeview Cemetery, 12316 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. Visitation will be from 1 to 3 and 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014, at McMahon-Coyne-Vitantonio Funeral Home, 38001 Euclid Ave., Willoughby. In addition to flowers, donations made in Helen's memory to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 300 E. 185th St., Cleveland, OH 44119, would be appreciated. "May the soft breezes of the day whisper to you that His Spirit has sealed you securely, Helen. May the sunshine light your way to Him. May His voice of truth drain every worry and pain and give you sweet assurance of His promises. May His touch be a kiss on the cheek, a hug around you and your family. We love you, our dear Helen." www.MCVfuneralhomes.com
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