Sarah Helen McCloskey

Sarah Helen is survived by her sister, Hilda (Dennis) Young; and brother, Charles W. (Mary) McCloskey; nieces and nephews: Heidi (Harry) Matley, Heather (James) Palmer, Holly (James Warren) Young, Justine McCloskey, Ryan McCloskey and Russell (Chrissy) McCloskey; great-nieces and nephews: Hannah and Jacob Matley, Zain, Blake and Lincoln Palmer, Tucker and Hudson McCloskey and Lily McCloskey; and her cousin, Judith Bell.

She was a 1961 graduate of Bellwood-Antis High School. Sarah Helen later graduated from Polyclinic Hospital Nursing School, Harrisburg, where she continued to serve in the hospital’s emergency room. She went on to earn her master’s degree in nursing at Penn State University.

Sarah Helen returned home to Bellwood, where she lived in her cherished homestead of Mary Ann Forge Farm. She continued her career working as school nurse at the Bellwood school district, later retiring as night supervisor at the Altoona Center, where she lovingly cared for all the residents.

She was a lifelong member of Logan Valley Presbyterian Church in Bellwood, where she taught adult Sunday school and served as a church elder.

She was a member of The Cosmos Club, a literary group started by her grandparents.

Sarah Helen was a member and dedicated volunteer of Excelsior Fire Company No. 1 of Bellwood. She loved volunteering during their annual fish fry season, the Christmas Soup Sampling events and flower sale. She enjoyed spending time with all of her fire company friends who affectionately called her Aunt Sarah Helen.

Her passion for helping those in need was evident, as she started the Aids Intervention Program, working tirelessly to help Aids-related families.

She was an avid reader of all types of literature and had a passion for cooking and canning anything she could put in a jar.

Sarah Helen will be remembered by her family and friends, all of whom meant the world to her.

Friends will be received from 10 a.m. until noon on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, at Jon C. Russin Funeral Home Inc., Bellwood. A funeral service will be held at noon on Tuesday at the funeral home with Pastor Nathan Koozer officiating. Interment will be at Logan Valley Cemetery, Bellwood.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions in her memory be made to Logan Valley Presbyterian Church, Bellwood; or Bellwood-Antis Public Library.

russinfuneralhome.com