November 27, 1936 – April 9, 2026

SISTER MARY BRENDA HELIS, SC, age 89, was called home to God on April 9, 2026, at Caritas Christi, the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in Greensburg, in the 71st year of her religious life. She was born on November 27, 1936, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill on September 8, 1954, from Saint Francis of Assisi Parish, Johnstown.

 Preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Sabina (Mascuch) Helis, and her brother, Raymond; she is survived by her two sisters, Susan (Hugh) Downey and Mary (Charles) Rametta; as well as nieces and nephews and her religious congregation.

 Sister Mary Brenda earned a bachelor’s degree in English, with a minor in Social Studies, from Seton Hill University and a master’s degree in English from Arizona State University. For 27 years, she ministered in education as both teacher and administrator at the middle and upper school levels in six Catholic high schools within the dioceses of Altoona-Johnstown, Greensburg, Phoenix, and Pittsburgh.

 Following her years in education, Sister Mary Brenda served as co-manager of Saint Therese Plaza in Munhall, a residence for senior and handicapped persons. She later ministered as Pastoral Care Coordinator at Laurel Crest in Ebensburg. During this time, she also volunteered at the Cambria County Shelter in Ebensburg and later served as an aide at Seton Center Adult Daycare in Greensburg.

 In 1997, Sister Mary Brenda received the Prince Gallitzin Cross at Saint Francis College in Loretto in recognition of her service to the Church of Altoona-Johnstown, reflecting the Gospel message of Jesus Christ and the missionary spirit of Father Demetrius Gallitzin.

 She was honored for “the contribution of self and time you have made to the Household of God. Your involvement has fostered positive growth among us as God’s people on a journey to the Kingdom.” She was known for embodying the evangelizing spirit of Father Gallitzin, the “Apostle of the Alleghenies.”

In reflecting on her life as a Sister of Charity, Sister Mary Brenda said, “By and with God’s grace, I have considered it a privilege to serve others as best I can.  For me, there is no greater vehicle to carry out his service than my calling as a Sister of Charity.”

 Sister Mary Brenda, may you rest in peace, with Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, the Company of Charity, and your loved ones.

The funeral liturgy will be live-streamed; access through the link:  https://venue.streamspot.com/2af9e1eb