Helen Laverne Occhipinto, 81, passed away Oct. 1, 2010. Mass of Christian Burial was Oct. 4 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, with entombment following in White Chapel Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. Visitation was held the evening before at Passantino Bros. Funeral Home.

Helen was born in Ilasco, Mo., to Albert and Chattie (Flowers) Slaughter. She worked at Montgomery Ward on Belmont and also worked for The Jones Store Co. in downtown Kansas City before she retired. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph V. Occhipinto, on Sept. 6, 2010.

Helen is survived by her children, Rose Marie and Anthony Paris, Donna and Jack DiMartino, Anthony and Mamie Occhipinto, Vonnie Occhipinto, Virginia and Joe Begulia, Vincent and Lisa Occhipinto, Carl and Lois Occhipinto, and Lisa and Rodney Calvert; 40 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren;  brother and sister-in-law, Melvin and Irene Slaughter; sister, Pauline Paris; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Marie Moley, Anthony Occhipinto Jr., and Frank and Patricia Occhipinto; dear friend, Loretta Afrisio; and generations of loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

(Arrangements: Passantino Bros. Funeral Home (816) 471-2844).