Helen Louise Gervasio

She leaves behind her devoted family: daughter, Phyllis Jo Gervasio of Arlington, Virginia; son, Joseph Phillip Gervasio and daughter-in-law Deborah Murphy Gervasio of Rockville, Maryland; precious granddaughters, Melissa Anne Gervasio and Allison Lauren Gervasio, grandson-in-law, Nicholas Christian Abbott, and adorable great granddaughter, Evelyn Anne Abbott all of Arlington, Virginia.

She is also survived by her brother, Henry Daviero of South Bend, Indiana and sister, Mary Daviero Swaney of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and a host of nieces, nephews, “adopted” family and friends.

Mrs. Gervasio was born in Republic, Pennsylvania on October 21, 1924. She graduated from Nursing School in Pennsylvania and settled into Washington, D.C. as a nurse at Doctors Hospital. Helen turned a life-long passion for helping people into a longstanding career and advanced quickly to the rank of Director of Nursing, a job that she adored. It was while working as a nurse that she met the love of her life. They were happily married for 48 years until his passing.

A member of The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament parish for 63 years, she was also an active member of the Sodality.

Mrs. Gervasio and her husband were founding members of Lakewood Country Club in Rockville, Maryland where she remained a member until her death.

Helen was an avid golfer and bridge player but her real passion was cheering on the local sports teams. She loved watching the Redskins, the Capitals and most especially the Washington Nationals. She never missed a televised game.

We mourn the loss of our matriarch, a generous spirit, a sassy dynamo and a true force of nature.

“Toodle-oo!”

Relatives and friends are invited to call at Joseph Gawler’s Sons, LLC, 5130 Wisconsin Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. on Friday May 12 from 7 to 9 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, 3630 Quesada Street, N.W. (at Western Avenue), Washington, D.C. on Saturday, May 13 at 11 a.m. Internment at Mount Olivet Cemetery will follow.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in her name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.