Helen Bodnar Popovich

Helen Bodnar Popovich, 76, of Monroeville and Pawley’s Island, SC, died Monday, May 17, 2010, at home. Born October 8, 1933, in Clairton, she was the daughter of the late John and Julia Bodnar. Helen was a member of St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church and a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh.

Helen Popovich was a loving mother of 4, grandmother of 11, and a supportive wife for 51 years. She encouraged and fostered the long and successful career of her husband, Superior Court Judge Zoran Popovich. Helen served the community as a volunteer, contributing her leadership, creativity, and organizational talents to a number of causes to include the American Cancer Society and the Women’s and Children’s Fund. She was a renowned cook and accomplished seamstress. Above all, Helen was a woman of elegance, grace, integrity, and great faith. A tireless provider who never let the “easy way” entice her; she led by example and always gave her best. We mourn her passing, but her memory and standards will live on as we are all better from knowing her and being loved by her.

She is survived by her husband, Judge Zoran Popovich; daughter, Julie (Pete) Jasper of South Riding, VA, sons, Peter (Laura) Popovich of Anchorage, KY, Michael (Lori) Popovich of South Riding, VA, and Nicholas (Heather) Popovich of Mt. Pleasant, SC; and her grandchildren Yllena (18), Leslie (14), Alex (13), Zachary (15), Grace (10), Perrin (4), Piers (2), Helen (13), Mila (11), Petra (10), and Paul (8); also survived by brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Stoyanka and Milan Vranesevich, Stoyan and Mary Ann Popovich, and Ray and Shirley Popovich.

Friends will be received in the Hunter Funeral Home, Inc., 1600 Coursin Street, McKeesport, PA 15132 Monday, May 24, 2010 from 2-4 & 7-9 PM. A private service will take place Tuesday with the Very Rev. Dragoljub Malich officiating. Interment will follow in Mount Vernon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are suggested to be sent to the Helen Bodnar Popovich Fund, Center for ALS Research, University of Pittsburgh, 3600 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh PA 15213.