Helen Turecek

HELEN TURECEK
ITHACA - Helen Turecek passed away peacefully on September 1, 2008 at the age of 92. She was living at Oak Hill Manor Nursing Home in Ithaca, N.Y.
Helen was born August 12, 1916 in Johnson City, New York to Mary and Martin Micha of Binghamton, New York. She grew up in Binghamton and attended the Binghamton schools. She was a former member of the John Huss Presbyterian Church in Binghamton and was later a member of Northminster Presbyterian Church in Endwell, NY prior to moving to Ithaca. Helen married Rudolph Turecek of Endicott, NY on Thanksgiving Day in 1938. They lived in Endicott on Robble Avenue for over 67 years until July of 2005 when she moved to Ithaca to be nearer to her son. During their life in Endicott, Helen and Rudy raised two sons, Richard and Robert. Helen was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was active in PTA, serving as President for several years. She was a member of many of the women's groups in her church, and could always be counted upon to help prepare church dinners for weddings, funeral, holidays and special occasions. She was a kind and selfless neighbor who always responded to the needs of those around her. Helen's life was centered around her family. Since her parents and Rudy's parents were Czech immigrants, the traditions and customs of her life reflected this heritage. There were many relatives and friends who were part of that time and we remember with joy the countless family events of which she was such an integral part. Most of us remember her in the kitchen preparing meals, making her homemade lemonade and "crater cakes." Helen had a passion for weddings, funerals, garage sales and shopping at Burt's Dept. Store.
Helen was predeceased by her parents; by her husband, Rudy in 1990; and by her brothers, Anthony and Joseph Micha. She is survived by her sister, Ethel Wood, Columbia, MO; her son, Richard (Sharon), Ithaca, NY, her son, Robert (Brenda), Stoughton, MA. She is also survived by her grandsons, Scott, Alex and David, Stoughton, MA, and Matthew (Michelle), Jamestown, NY, and Aaron, Portland, Oregon; and her two great-grandchildren, Natalie and Caleb, Jamestown, NY. Also surviving her are a number of nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law and cousins.
Funeral services will be held Friday, 1:00 p.m. at the Leon Pucedo Funeral Home, Inc., 1905 Watson Blvd., Endicott. Burial will follow in Riverhurst Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Pucedo Funeral Home on Friday from 11:00 a.m. until time of funeral service at 1:00 p.m.