On Tuesday, Helen Novelli Rock, 94, a gentle, caring lady, passed away at the Saxony Health Center. She fought a hard fight against cancer and finally answered the call of our Lord.

She worked at the Spaide Shirt Factory, starting at age 13, and then at Bobbie Brooks until it closed. She finally retired from JD Fashions at the age of 84.

She had many good friends who she always treasured.

Helen was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church.

She is survived by her son Gregory and his wife, Nikki; a sister, Mella Gray of Tucson, Ariz.; and four half-sisters, Angeline, Olga, Cecila and Rose. There are many nieces and nephews who loved her, and she in turn enjoyed their company and the attention they gave to her. She also is survived by four grandsons and several great-grandchildren.

The family would like to give a special thank you to a very special niece, Joyce Wise, who gave of her time and love over the past year.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George, and a brother, Victor.

<B>ROCK</B> — There will be no visitation. A Mass of Christian burial for Helen Novelli Rock, who died Tuesday, March 9, 2010, will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church with the Rev. James Dolan officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.The family requests memorial donations to the VNA Hospice, 154 Hindman Road, Butler, PA 16001.Arrangements are under the direction of the Martin Funeral Home, and information also is available at www.martinfh.net.