Helen Joann Gordon

Helen Joann Gordon, 90, of Avella, passed away on Monday, October 13, 2025, surrounded by family in her daughter's home. She was born on May 2, 1935, in Avella, daughter of the late Joseph John Kosarik Sr. and Ann Whitco Kosarik. Helen was a lifelong resident of Avella and a member of St. Michael Church (St. Isidore the Famer Parish). She was a 1953 graduate of Avella High School, where she excelled in basketball, popularity and academics. She was chosen in her senior year to intern in the clerical department of the FBI in Washington, DC, but chose having a family over career. During a New Year's Eve dance at Breezy Heights Tavern, she accepted a proposal of marriage and on March 2, 1957, in St. Michael Roman Catholic Church, she married William Nicholas "Corky" Gordon, who died on February 4, 2021, after 63 years of marriage. Helen was a devoted and loving mother of four, who dedicated her life to her family; always making them a priority. She hosted family dinners and holidays, making them extra special with her cooking and baking skills. Helen was an excellent seamstress, who in her daughter's youth, fashioned her dresses and jumpers, altering and repairing her family's clothes and making Halloween costumes for her grandson, Richard. She enjoyed collecting Fenton pottery, gardening and tending to her flowers. Helen loved to spend time with her family especially her grandchildren and great granddaughter. A little know fact about Helen, she was a talented artist able to sketch anything. Surviving Mrs. Gordon are four children: William K. (Cathy) Gordon, Judy (Richard) Soltesz, Bruce (Kellie) Gordon and Brian (Michele) Gordon, all of Avella; three grandchildren: Stephanie (Jonathan) Golembiewski, Richard Soltesz and Brian Gordon; a great-granddaughter, Ellery Rose Golembiewski; a brother, Joseph J. Kosarik Jr.; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Gordon; former sister-in-law, Janet Bressanelli; and several nieces and nephews. Deceased, in addition to her husband and parents, are a grandson, William J. "Billy" Gordon; sister, Ann Gagliani; her mother and father-in-law, Mickey and Mary Gordon; brothers-in-law, Joe Gagliani and Robert Gordon; and sister-in-law, Raelyn Kosarik. All funeral arrangements are private and being handled by Jerome A. Stefkovich Funeral Home Inc., Avella. Burial will be in West Point Cemetery, Avella. In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution can be made to the Avella Volunteer Fire Department. The family would like to thank Concordia Hospice of Washington nurses and aides for their compassionate care. Condolences may be expressed at stefkovichfuneralhome.com.