Helen Epple

Helen Anne Epple, 88, of Altoona, died unexpectedly Saturday at UPMC Altoona. She was born in Altoona, daughter of the late Joseph L. and Helen M. (Donnelly) Greible. She married Richard H. Epple May 24, 1952, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Altoona. He died Dec. 18, 2010.

She was a homemaker and a loving mother and was a long distance telephone operator at Bell Telephone, Altoona. She also worked at J.C. Penney as a switchboard operator.

Helen Anne was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Altoona.

She was a 1949 graduate of Altoona Catholic High School and a past member of St. Mary’s Altar and Rosary Society who enjoyed bowling, sewing, playing cards and was an accomplished oil painting artist.

Helen Anne is survived by two children: Michele A. (Andy) Pirro and Jerome O. Epple, both of Altoona; six grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by two sons, Richard M. Epple and Jeffrey Alan Epple; and two sisters, Teresa J. Breslin and Kathleen M. McDermott

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Altoona, with Father Lubomir Strecock officiating.

Committal rites will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Altoona.

At the family’s request, there will be no visitation due to COVID-19 restrictions.

In memory of Helen Anne, please make contributions to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1405 Fifth Ave., Altoona, PA 16602.

Arrangements are by Jones Funeral Home, Altoona.