Helen B. Poncek

HELEN B. PONCEK (nee Berdy) Helen Poncek, age 83, passed away peacefully in the morning hours of Wednesday, November 14, 2007, surrounded by her family. Helen was born in Gary, Indiana on January 8, 1924 to Anna (Hamilka) and John Berdy. She graduated from Froebel High School in 1942, fifth in her class. She was a proud member of the National Honor Society. Helen married her husband William J. Poncek, Sr. on June 14, 1947; they celebrated their sixty-first wedding anniversary this year. To this union were born the jewels of Helen's life, her two children, William J. Jr. and Barbara. Helen was preceded in death by her parents John and Anna Berdy, and her two siblings, Anna Kostelnik and Michael Berdy. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of sixty-one years, William, Sr. of Merrillville, Indiana; her son, William (Cindy) Poncek, Jr., of Valparaiso, Indiana; her daughter, Barbara (Don) Markle of Crown Point, Indiana; and the joys of her life, her two grandchildren, Kristin Poncek of Bloomington, Indiana and Kara Poncek of Valparaiso, Indiana. She is also survived by her nephew, Alex (Diane) Kostelnik of LaPorte, Indiana; and her gentle and loving caregiver, Mayoshi Mponda. Funeral services will be DIRECTLY from The Protection of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church, 8600 Grand Boulevard, Merrillville, Indiana on Saturday, November 17, 2007 at 10:00 a.m., with Reverend Peter Bodnar officiating. Burial to follow at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville. Visitation for Helen Poncek will be at Geisen Funeral Home 7905 Broadway, Merrillville on Friday, November 16, 2007 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a Panahida service at 7:00 p.m. Friends may meet with the family Saturday morning from 9:00a.m. until the time of service at 10:00a.m Directly at Church. Helen was a devoted wife, wonderful mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. She will be sorely missed by all of us. Memorial donations may be made to the Protection of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church Building Fund or St. Anthony Home Hospice. To share an on line condolence please visit www.geisenfuneral.com