Obituary of Helen Frances Bortnick-Esposito

Helen F. Bortnick-Esposito, 81, of Ashtabula passed away peacefully, Friday, October 28, 2022. She was born July 26, 1941, in Erie, PA, the daughter of the late James and Victoria (Malena) Swaney. Helen grew up in her beloved Albion PA and graduated from Northwestern High School Class of 1959. She lived most of her life in Ashtabula, OH and recently moved to Euclid, OH. Helen was devoted to her children, Larry (Sherry) Bortnick, Jr. of Mentor, Lorie (Eric) Milano of North Royalton, and Lance Bortnick of Euclid. She was the sweetest, fun Nana to Nicholas (Maggie Allard) and Julia Milano, and Rocco and Roman Bortnick. In her later years she was blessed to add Anthony (Joni) Esposito of Brunswick, and Kevin Esposito of Cincinnati to her family, along with their children, Aaron (Erica) Esposito, Erica (John) Yacobozzi and Emilee (Ryan) Esposito. She embraced her great grandchildren, Arryon and Addyson Esposito and Mia and Giovanni Yacobozzi. She enjoyed dancing and laughing with her brother, Jim (Linda) Swaney, and was a loving sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, and godmother to many. She was preceded in death by her husband, Anthony Esposito (2018) and her first husband and father of her children, Larry Bortnick. Helen loved singing in her church choirs, listening to her husband, Tony’s Bands play around Ashtabula, and cheering on her grandchildren’s sport events. She worked in purchasing and accounting at SCM and was also a fitness instructor at Curves. In retirement, she stayed active as a funeral attendant at Ducro Funeral Services, welcoming and comforting others. Helen was happiest when surrounded by her family and many close friends. Selfless by nature, she freely and genuinely gave the gift of her beautiful heart. She could light up a room and lift others by her warmth and vitality. Helen lived life to the fullest and the legacy she leaves behind on the lives she touched, will be forever remembered. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at 11AM at Our Lady of Peace Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 1200 E. 21St St., Ashtabula with Father Raymond Thomas officiating. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, November 1, 2022, from 4-7PM at the Zaback-Williams-Ducro Funeral Home, 500 W. Prospect Rd., Ashtabula. At 7:00 there will be a brief prayer service from the Pastors of Body of Christ Community Church, Willoughby. Should friends desire memorial contributions may be made in Helen’s name to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44110, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Zaback-Williams-Ducro Funeral Home, 500 W. Prospect Rd., Ashtabula is handling arrangements. Online obituary and condolences at www.ducro.com