Helen Bryk "Nellie" Allardyce

Helen "Nellie" Bryk Allardyce, 86, of Avoca, passed away Monday at Wesley Village Nursing and Rehab Center, Pittston. Born in Avoca on Dec. 8, 1935, she was the daughter of the late George and Catherine Drag Bryk.

Nellie was a member of Queen of the Apostles Parish Church, Avoca. She was a graduate of Avoca High School and was the class valedictorian of 1953.

With great devotion, Nellie nurtured and raised six children and was the heart of her family. Her 12:15 p.m. family dinners each Sunday were epic and served to gather and anchor all of her family.

Her gift for care giving and nurturing continued to find expression throughout the course of her life. After raising her children, she served as a compassionate caregiver for several local elderly individuals.

Nellie's playful side found expression in her love of bingo, bowling and cards.

Nellie will be remembered for her kindness, warmth and generosity of spirit.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Gerald "Jerry" Allardyce, who died April 30, 2020. Also, her sister and brothers, infant brother Frank, Sophie Faller, Thomas, Henry and Adam Bryk, Florence Zbegan, Frances Johnson and Annie Jereme.

She is survived by her children, Linda and her husband, Joseph Mitchell, of Pittston Twp.; Michael and his wife, Cheryl, of Columbus, Ohio; Brenda and her husband, Michael Busch, of Duryea; Thomas and his wife, Lisa, of Moosic; Eileen and husband, James "Stu" Sperrazza, of Inkerman; and Carol and her husband, Nicholas Kraser, of Avoca. Also surviving are grandchildren, Joseph Mitchell and his companion, Sabrina Baran; Emily and Maggie Kraser, and Maille, Jack and Michael Allardyce; her great-grandson, Elijah Mitchell; and several nieces and nephews.

Nellie's family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of Wesley Village nursing and rehab center for their kindness and excellent care.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, Oct. 6, at 10 a.m. at Queen of the Apostles Parish Church, 715 Hawthorne St., Avoca, with the Rev. Phillip Sladicka officiating. Friends may call Wednesday, Oct. 5, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Kiesinger Funeral Services Inc 255 McAlpine St., Duryea. Interment will be held at St. Mary's Cemetery, Avoca. Family and friends are asked to go directly to the church for the Mass; there will be no procession.

Online condolences may be made to www.kiesingerfuneralservices.com.