Helen Demkowich Rivera

Helen Demkovich Rivera, age 98, passed away on Wednesday, August 21st. "Gigi" loved God, her family, and friends. Her happy place in this world was hosting and cooking for any gathering, especially her beloved family. Being very proud of her Ukrainian heritage Pierogies, stuffed cabbage, Ukrainian cookies and breads were enjoyed by many people over her long life. She treasured and displayed her collection of Pysanka (Ukrainian Easter eggs). Dancing, golf, bowling, and beach trips were particular pleasures for her as well as doing daily crossword puzzles.

Helen found herself a forty-two year old single mother of three young children when her beloved husband, Gus, passed away after a 4 year battle with cancer. Her surviving children, Mark, Glenn, and Helaine, shall always be grateful for her strength, resilience, and unfailing faith in God that pulled the family through that very difficult time.

Also predeceased by parents, Anastasia and Gregory, brothers Mike, Nick, John, Andy, sister Kay and great granddaughter Capri.

Survivors include her children's spouses Maria, Reatha, and Bruce; grandaughters, Nicole (Bryan) and Jenna (Travis), grandsons Gustavo (Windsor), Joshua, Adam, and Matthew; great-grandchildren Oskar, Max, Leo, Kara, Analise, Judson, Vincent, Ophelia, and Louisa Faye.

Helen's family thanks the wonderful staff at Morningview Assisted Living for the loving care and attention she received during her time there. Our mother always said Haley was her "special angel".

Family will receive friends at our Lady of Fatima Catholic church in Alcoa at 11am on Wednesday August 28th to be followed by a funeral mass at noon and refreshments in the parish hall at 1pm.