Helen Julia Galicia, formerly of Farrell, passed away peacefully Wednesday Morning, January 17, 2018, in Flagler Hospital, St. Augustine, FL. She was 97.

Mrs. Galicia was born July 1, 1920, in McMechen, WV, a daughter of John and Stefania (Nogay) Drozdal. She was a 1938 graduate of Farrell High School.

After raising her three children, Helen continued her education and graduated from Youngstown State University in 1964, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education, and later earned her Master of Education in 1968 after completing her graduate studies at Westminster College, New Wilmington.

Helen retired in 1985 from Sharon Jr. High School, where she taught for several years. She had previously begun her teaching career at West Hill Elementary and also taught at the former St. Joseph Parochial Grade School, both Sharon. During her retirement she continued her call to teach by tutoring 2nd grade students.

She was a member of St. Joseph Church, Sharon. Helen was also a member of the Kiwanis International, Sharon.

Helen relocated to Irvine, CA, in 1998 and took a very active role at the Irvine-Lakeview Senior Center, where she served as an administrator for the "Friends of Outreach Program." Helen enjoyed playing cards, particularly Bridge, and had an exceptional talent for cooking and baking. She had a love for music and played the piano and accordion.

Her husband, Herman M. Galicia, Sr., whom she married June 21, 1941, passed away February 25, 1997.

She will be deeply missed by her children Herman (Diane) Galicia, Yucca Valley, CA., Caryl (Riyad) Mansour, Orlando, FL., Stephanie (Tony) Kaiser, St. Augustine, FL., with whom she resided with for 20 years; her grandchildren, Michelle (Trevor) Nealy, Gabrielle (Brian) Roach, Reem (Stu) Carroll, Yazin Mansour; and six great grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, Helen was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Vilma Stigliano.

Calling hour will be 10 a.m. until the time of Mass Monday (2-5-18) in St. Joseph Church, 79 Case Ave., Sharon.

Funeral Mass of Christian burial will be 11 a.m. Monday, in the church, with Rev. Thomas Whitman, pastor, as celebrant.

Interment: St. Anthony Cemetery, Hermitage.

Arrangements by J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St.