December 16, 1933 – May 11, 2025
Olean- Helen Rakus, 91, of Olean, passed away peacefully Sunday, May 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on December 16, 1933, in Olean, Helen was the daughter of the late John and Victoria Jonak Luty. On October 2, 1954, Helen married the love of her life, Edward Rakus, at Transfiguration Church. They shared a deep and loving bond for nearly 65 years until his passing on July 17, 2019.
Helen was a graduate of Olean High School. She was a proud member of the Pulaski Club and lived in North Olean her entire life. Helen’s sense of humor was contagious to all who met her, no matter how brief the encounter. She loved cooking for her family, especially homemade french fries and bean soup. She enjoyed polka dancing, sitting on her front porch, and travelling to casinos. She also cherished spending time with her grandchildren.
She is survived by her children, Elizabeth Murphy (Rick Korff) and David Rakus; grandchildren, Zachary and Matthew Murphy and Alexandra and Julia Rakus (Merlin Joseph Jr.); former daughter-in-law, Marie Rakus; sister Irene Sassone, and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her loving husband and parents, she was predeceased by her three brothers, John, Ted, and Michael Luty; and son-in-law Timothy Murphy.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the Saint Joseph Maronite Catholic Church, 1102 Walnut Street, Olean. Family and friends will be received from 10:30 to 11:00 AM at the church. Burial will follow at St. Bonaventure Cemetery.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to CARE for Children, PO Box 615, 723 East Main Street, Bradford, PA 16701, or donor’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State St, Olean.
Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com
