Helen Louise (Albaneze) Donato

Helen Louise (Albaneze) Donato, 97, of Harrisburg, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at Homeland Center. Born in Harrisburg, she was the daughter of the late John and Anna (Plut) Albaneze. She was the loving wife of the late Victor J. Donato, Sr., who passed away in 1976.

Helen graduated from Catholic High School in the Class of 1946. She worked as a secretary for Catholic High School, Costello Financial Services, State Workman’s Insurance, Bethlehem Steel, then for the Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg until her retirement.

Helen was a devout Catholic and active member of St. Catherine Laboure Roman Catholic Parish where she served on many committees including the Coffee Cup at St. Catherine, the Arimathean Society, the Adoration Ministry, and the Living Rosary Association. She was known for being a great cook. She loved her family most of all and particularly enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

Helen is survived by her children, Marisa Donato of Steelton, Allan Donato and his wife Kathy of Lebanon, and Greg Donato of Newport; her sister Bernadette Jones; 9 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son Victor J. Donato, Jr.; sister Joanne Spochart; and brother John L. Albanese.

Services are private and at the convenience of the family. Private burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Homeland Center at www.homelandcenter.org or Homeland Center, Attn: Development Office 1901 N. Fifth St. Harrisburg, PA 17102.