Of Sanborn, NY passed peacefully on April 11, 2017 at her daughter's home in Aurora, IL.  Helen was born in Bakerstown, PA on January 17, 1930, the daughter of the late Paul and Emma (Petrovan) Prusnak.

Helen graduated from Mars High School in Mars, PA and Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Pittsburgh, PA.  Devoted to the well-being, caring, and nurturing of others, Helen was employed as an RN with various healthcare providers for over 50 years including service in the US Air Force Reserves.  She was a longtime member of Immaculate Conception Church, where she belonged to the Rosary Altar Society.  She was a volunteer at The Dale Association, St Vincent De Paul, and Stella Niagara.  Helen's greatest calling was to be the proud mother of five children as well as grandmother and great-grandmother.  She would often say her grandchildren and great-grandchildren made her "heart very happy”. 

Mrs. Portfilio is survived by her children Joseph, Mary Elizabeth (Louis) Knotts, Anthony Paul, Paul Jerome (Renee), and Stephanie (Jeffrey) Moore, her grandchildren Douglas (Kelly) Knotts, Sarah (Brandon) Leone, and Emma Knotts, Jack and Abigail Portfilio, Giuseppe Portfilio, Julia, Joshua, Matthew, and Jonathan Moore and her great-grandchildren Molly and Bradley Knotts, and Ava Grace Leone.  Mrs. Portfilio was predeceased by her former husband, Anthony F. Portfilio, and her sister, Agnes Smutney.  She is survived by her sisters Mary Veccharella, Florence Danner, Josephine (Joseph) Monteleone, and Kathleen Cervone and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Family will be present on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 from 1-4 and 6-9 PM at the RHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 5893 Hoover Road SANBORN, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial with Military Honors will be held Thursday, April 20, 2017 at 10:00 AM at Immaculate Conception, 4671 Townline Road Ransomville, NY.

Memorials can be made to Immaculate Conception Church.

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