Helene Horovitz Dal Canton passed away suddenly on Sunday, December 11, 2016 at her home in Carnegie, PA. She was the only child born to Harold and Joan Horovitz in Slovan, PA who preceded her in death. She received her Bachelor of Science in Education from Seton Hill University and a Master of Education in Library Science from the University of Pittsburgh.

She began her career teaching mathematics at Burgettstown Sr. High School where she met the love of her life, J. Bruce Dal Canton, a fellow educator. They were married at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Burgettstown, PA. They honeymooned during spring training as Bruce had recently signed a baseball contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Bruce went on to a professional baseball career as pitcher and later pitching coach, ending his career as the first pitching coach of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. In addition to working as a reference librarian at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library in Carnegie, PA, Helene devoted herself to his career and there was no better advocate for him or baseball. Helene continued to support the Myrtle Beach Pelicans and community through a scholarship for students of the Horry County Schools Early College High School.

After her husband's death in 2008, Helene continued to support baseball and travel the globe. She was a voracious reader, enjoyed walks on the beach, and treasured her time with dear friends and neighbors. She loved horses and once had the opportunity to visit a dude ranch where she could live her dream of being an equestrian. She also enjoyed attending the theater and was an avid Jazzercise participant. 

Left to cherish her memory are her aunt Vera Martin of Burgettstown, PA and cousins Jim Nicksick and family of CA, Joe Martin and family of GA, and Tom Martin and family of FL. She is also survived by brothers in-law Bernard Dal Canton and his wife Irma of La Plata, MD, Brian Dal Canton and his wife Irene of Redondo Beach, CA, and sister in-law Diane Shook and her husband Roy of Fort Myers, FL. She also leaves behind devoted nieces and nephews, Angela Dal Canton, Bernie Dal Canton, Dina Lewis, Craig Lewis and his wife Julie Klasen, and godchild Dr. Jackie Taylor. Helene also is survived by several great-nieces and nephews, Sarah Horning, Courtney and Matthew Dal Canton, and Natee Lewis.

Friends received at the Bagnato Funeral Home, Jefferson St., Carnegie, PA on Friday, December 16 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Funeral mass at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church on Saturday, December 17 at 10 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in Helene's name to:

- The Annual Fund, Seton Hill University, One Seton Hill Drive, Greensburg, PA 15601

- Pelicans Community Fund on behalf of The Bruce and Helene Dal Canton Foundation, 1251 21st Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

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