Obituary of Sister Helen Plivelic, CDP

Sister Helen Plivelic, CDP, 91, passes away on May 31, 2019. Sr. Helen Plivelic was born on May 7, 1928 in McKeesport, PA. She was the daughter of Philip Plivelic and Anna (Turkovic) Plivelic. Both of her parents were born in Zagreb, Croatia, which was at that time part of Austria. She was given the name Anna and was one of six siblings. She was predeceased by her sister Barbara Petro, her sister Rose Oprendek, and her brother John. She is survived by her brother Mark of Indiana, PA and her sister Mary Hornicsar of McKeesport, PA. Mary’s daughter, Carole visited Helen regularly. In 1951 Anna entered the Sisters of Divine Providence in Allston Park PA. Has a novice she was given the name Sr. Helen Joseph. Later, when some chose to return to their baptismal names, she removed Joseph from her name. Following her profession of vows, Sr. Helen ministered As a primary grade teacher in schools in the Pittsburgh area. In 1958 she went to the newly established province of Our Lady in Kingston, MA. There she taught English, Religion and Business courses at Sacred Heart High School. In 1969 she was appointed principle of St. Bridget School in Abington, where she also taught Literature in Grade 8. From 1969-1976 she taught in Connecticut, first at St. Cecelia’s and then at St. Bernard’s. She then returned to Kingston where she again taught English and Religion at SHHS. Following these years in education, Sr. Helen pursued various works with the poor, the sick, and the elderly. Her volunteer work with the marginalized included positions as recreation therapist and activities director at different sites. At times she met them as Joy the Clown, where she brought smiles to the faces of many, she evidenced a great respect for the needy, always seeing in them the face of Jesus. In 1990 Sr. Helen began working at ODWIN (Opening Doors Within Nursing) Learning Center, where she taught English mostly to immigrant students who hoped to move on to become nurses. She worked there for about 10 years. 

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, June 5 at the Providence House, 363 Bishop’s Highway, Kingston from 2-5:00 and – 6-8:00 PM. A prayer service will begin at 7:30 PM. A funeral service will be celebrated on Thursday, June 6, at the Providence House at 3pm. Interment will be in Our Lady of Divine Providence cemetery, Kingston. Donations may be made in her memory to the Sisters of the Divine Providence, 363 Bishop’s Highway, Kingston, MA 02364. To offer condolences please visit www.shepherdfuneralhome.com. Shepherd Funeral Home, Kingston.