Helen D. Rashid

Helene (Helen) D. Rashid, 83, of New Castle, PA. passed away peacefully after a brief illness on the afternoon of February 10, 2020 at Jameson Care Center.

Helen was born October 6, 1936 in New Castle, PA. She was the daughter of the late Alfonso and Helen (Bielak) Colucci. Helen was married to the late Carl C. Rashid. He preceded her in death on March 9, 2018. They were married for 59 years. Helen was of the Roman Catholic Faith and was a member of Holy Spirit Parish, St. Joseph site. 

Mrs. Rashid was a graduate of New Castle High School, class of 1954. She continued her education at St. Francis School of Nursing and graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1957. Mrs. Rashid retired in August of 1997 after 41 years of service at the former St. Francis Hospital as a Utilization Review Coordinator. She was the first person to hold this position. Earlier, she also worked as a Registered Nurse in the Pediatrics department of St. Francis Hospital for many years. 

Some of the joys in her life were shopping and buying special, personalized gifts for everyone around her. She was a fan of obtaining bargains at Big Lots and Goodwill among other stores, and considered herself a professional shopper. She was a kind, extremely generous person who enjoyed giving to all throughout the year. Mrs. Rashid was an active member of Challenges attending three days a week to exercise. She donated numerous Holiday gift baskets and arrangements for every season. She designed original creations to present for every occasion. She loved cooking and entertaining for family and friends. She was a talented cook of Italian, Lebanese, and Polish cuisine. Two of her specialties were her homemade pizza and spinach pies. Her family always told her that she should have been a waitress because she served huge portions of food and waited on them hand and foot. She liked visiting local casinos with her son. She was a talented pianist who enjoyed playing the piano for her children. When they endeavored on their musical journey, she informed them that she’d practiced several hours per day when she was a child. Knowing their grandmother, they weren’t surprised. She was a collecter of various types of angels. She would often say that she’d send her angels to ward away any negative thoughts or bad weather. She was also involved with her High School class reunions and attended luncheons with her nurse friends (Class of 1957 "Golden Girls"). Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends; especially her grandchildren.

Helen is survived by her four children, David A. Rashid of New Castle, Beth (Kevin) Rashid-Danielson of New Castle, Dr. Marc S. Rashid of Poland, OH, and Lisa A. Rashid of Pittsburgh, PA; and three granddaughters; Aurora Rashid, Alina Rashid, and Carly Danielson. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Carol (Richard) Rashid Adams and Patricia Colucci; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and special cousins and friends. 

In addition to her parents and husband Carl, Helen was preceded in death by her brother, Vincent Colucci in 1994.

Calling hours will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday evening, February 13, 2020 at the Noga Funeral Home, Inc. 1142 S. Mill Street.

A Blessing Service will be celebrated on Friday, February 14th at 11 a.m. in the funeral home. Deacon John Carran will officiate. Burial will be in SS. Philip and James Cemetery. Online condolences may be viewed or given by visiting nogafuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Helen D. Rashid, please visit our floral store.