Helen C. Penkala

Helen C. Penkala, 103, of West Hazleton passed away Saturday at Fritzingertown Senior Living Community, Drums, where she resided for the past two years.

She was born in Crystal Ridge, daughter of the late Felix and Mary Vetter Levash, and resided in West Hazleton for most of her life.

Prior to her retirement, Helen was employed at Penn-Allen Sportswear as a sewing machine operator for 30 years, and was a member of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union.

Preceding her in death, in addition to her parents, were her husband, Bernard Penkala, on Aug. 23, 1990; her daughter, Cecelia, on Sept. 4, 2010; as well as her son-in-law, Warren Potthoff; and several brothers and sisters. Helen was the last surviving sibling of the Levash family.

She was a member of Holy Name of Jesus Parish at Transfiguration Church, West Hazleton.

Surviving are her beloved children, daughters, Patricia Rasch and her husband, Eric, Greenwich, Conn.; Bernadine Potthoff, Pittsburgh; her son, Robert Penkala and his wife, Catherine "Cathy," Sugarloaf Twp.; her beloved grandchildren, Kimberly Rasch, New York; Eric Rasch and his wife, Jennifer, New Jersey; Jennifer Potthoff, Doylestown; Melissa Potthoff, Florida. Also surviving are her beloved two great-grandchildren, Christopher and Katie Rasch, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Transfiguration Church, West Hazleton, with interment to follow in Calvary Cemetery, Drums. Her public viewing will be held at Transfiguration Church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service Thursday.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Hilary J. Bonin Funeral Home, 99 W. Green St., West Hazleton, is assisting the family.