Helen “Granny “ R. Donachy, 70, of Erie Avenue, St. Marys, PA died on Saturday, November 26, 2022, at her daughter’s residence after a brief illness.

She was born on May 8, 1952, in Ridgway, the daughter of the late Edgar and Helen Dush Donachy.

Loving. If we could describe Granny in one word, it would be loving. She cared about her family so much and she revealed this love to us in myriad ways. Granny shared it with us in hugs and forehead kisses every time we saw her. “Give me a hug and kiss goodbye” was one of her favorite lines.

While she was never the best with her smartphone, she texted us the kindest, warmest messages to ensure that we felt loved. Whether it was a “good luck today,” “here comes a HUG,” “my heart is beating with yours,” or her classic “I love you with all my heart,” she took the time to deliver her profound compassion. Further, Granny exemplified her love through laughter and filling us with happiness. Nobody can compare to her uniqueness and desire to laugh.

From dirty scrabble to attempting to ride the hoverboard, to cracking inappropriate jokes, she never failed to make us laugh. Being with Granny, you always felt so cared for and joyous. This is one of the most special things ever – few people can affect the lives of others in the way that Granny did. She may not have had much, but she had the biggest heart and would do anything for us. From Christmas crafts to dollar tree runs and shopping trips, to sleepovers, to watching movies, to swimming at the pool, to making dinner for us, to babysitting us, to driving us to practices, to drinking coffee after church, to watching Judge Judy after school, to supporting us in sports, to going to yard sales every weekend, to carrying out the grandest traditions, to being her silly, goofy, loving self. Granny impacted our lives in an unforgettable way.

While it’s so hard right now because we miss her exponentially, we thank her for all of the joy that she brought into this world. In all seriousness, we would not be who we are today without Granny. She showed us how to be strong, confident, as well as the importance of laughing and having fun. Moreover, Granny’s faith, curiosity, and love for Jesus were inspiring to all.

To our family, Granny is not gone. She is even more present with us in spirit now. Even though we may not realize it, getting through the worst feeling we have ever felt is making us stronger. To Granny, thank you for making us feel so loved, and know that we love you with all our hearts. You were truly the best Granny we could have ever asked for.

She is survived by 2 daughters: Tina Starr of Ridgway and Rona Lion and her husband David of St. Marys, 4 grandchildren: Dawson, Lilia, Davan, and Roan, 1 brother, Ed Donachy and his wife Maureen of Ridgway, and 1 sister, Dona Carlson and her husband Charley of Dayton, OH.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by 2 sisters: Sandi VanHorn and Debbie Donachy.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Helen R. Donachy will be celebrated on Saturday, December 3, 2022, at 10:30AM at Queen of the World Church, 134 Queens Road, St. Marys, PA 15857, with Fr. Jeffery Noble, Pastor, officiating.

Family and friends will be received on Saturday, December 3, 2022, at Queen of the World Church from 10:00AM until the time of service.

Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Ridgway.

Memorial contributions can be made to Penn Highland Community Nurses Hospice.

Krise Funeral Home, 130 Center Street, PA 15853 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefuneralhome.com.