Helen Irene Nikles

Obituary of Helen Irene Nikles

God called Helen Irene Nikles home on February 12, 2026. Surrounded by her loving family, she passed away peacefully at the age of 97.

Born on November 7, 1928, in Easton, Pennsylvania, Helen was the daughter of the late Frank Komyati and Elizabeth Fazekas Komyati. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her beloved husband of 45 years, Frank H. Nikles; her sister, Ethel Beatty; her son-in-law, Robert E. Johnson, Sr., whom she loved as a son; and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Vito and Louise Piperatio, all of Easton, PA.

Helen was born and raised in Easton and attended Easton High School. Following her marriage in 1953, she and her husband settled in Changewater, New Jersey, where she spent the majority of her life before later moving to Bethlehem Township, Pennsylvania.

A devoted wife and homemaker, Helen's greatest joy was her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cherished time spent together, especially during holidays, birthdays, and special occasions. Family gatherings were always close to her heart.

Helen enjoyed attending senior fairs with her late sister and sister-in-law and especially treasured the bus trips she took with her sister, Ethel. She often spoke of how fortunate she felt to have become part of her late son-in-law's family, whom she lovingly referred to as her "second family." She delighted in special occasions spent in their homes, often remarking just how nice everyone in his family was. They affectionately called her "Grandma Nikles," a title she deeply cherished. Helen also shared a special bond with their "Aunt Ruth," with whom she enjoyed many laughs and moments of lighthearted mischief.

Helen is survived by her beloved daughters, Carol Nikles of Forks Township and Linda Johnson of Palmer Township, and her sons, Frank W. Nikles and his wife, Renee, of Clinton, NJ, and Allen Nikles and his wife, Michelle, of Bethlehem Township, PA.

She was a proud grandmother to Stephanie Yukna and her husband, Davey, of Bethlehem Township; Sarah Kospiah and her husband, Matt, of Forks Township; and Donnie Sigafoos of Forks Township. Helen was also blessed with three great-grandchildren-Felicity Kospiah, David Yukna, and Kayleigh Yukna-whom she adored, as well as a step-great-grandchild, Tyler. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Helen was a gentle and kind soul who expressed her love through food. Her daughters, daughter-in-law, and granddaughters often tried their hand at her cherished Hungarian family recipes-though none ever quite matched hers. With a warm smile, she would offer advice, saying, "I think it needs more of this or less of that."

Relatives and friends will be received on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Knoll-DeVoe Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 142 West Washington Avenue, Washington, NJ 07882. A funeral service and time of reflection will begin at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home, followed by interment at Belvidere Cemetery.

To send condolences to the family, please visit www.knolldevoefh.com