Helen Jean Piacitelli Smith

Friday, Mar. 31, 2017

April 24, 1925 – March 22, 2017

Helen Jean Piacitelli Smith, beloved spouse, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, passed away from causes related to Alzheimer’s disease on March 22, 2017. She died peacefully at her daughter’s home surrounded by family. 

She was born in Price, Utah on April 24, 1925 to John and Helen Piacitelli. Helen married William Daniel Smith in 1949. Helen attended Notre Dame Catholic Elementary School in Price, and Judge Memorial Catholic High School and St. Mary of the Wasatch Catholic College in Salt Lake City. She earned her master’s degree in social work at the University of Utah in 1968. Helen worked for the State of Utah Division of Child and Family Services until her retirement after 30 years of service.

Helen was an elegant, fun-loving, intelligent person whose greatest joy was her own family. She loved cooking family dinners, singing and dancing. She was a prolific reader, enjoyed writing poetry and solving crossword puzzles. During her college years she was the lead actress in many school plays. She enjoyed gardening, decorating her house, shopping and going on long walks with her friends.

Helen is survived by her two children, Rebecca Marie Smith and Frances Ann Smith; two sons-in-law, Herb Clemens and Warren Schroer; granddaughter Kathryn Anne Clemens; sister Nora Dalpiaz; brother John Piacitelli; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two granddaughters; sisters Mildred Kasparec, Florence Piacitelli and Adeline LeBar; and brothers Edward Piacitelli and the Reverend Henry Piacitelli, CMC.

A Mass in celebration of her life was held on March 27 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.

You may send flowers to Starks Funeral Parlor or make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association in Helen’s honor.

Online condolences may be offered and a tribute slideshow may be viewed at www.starksfuneral.com.