Helen Koker

Koker, Helen

Age 101, was called to the Lord Friday, October 9, 2015. She was
born July 19, 1914 in Nanty Glo, PA to Simon and Helen (Vargo) Janik. She married John Koker June 6, 1931 in Arcadia, PA who preceded her in death in 1982 after 51 years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by her parents,brothers Joseph Jannik and wife Olga, Stephen Yanik and wife Deola and Albert Yanik; half sisters Anne Spilak Vaughn, Agnes Spilak Lane, half brothers John, Andrew and Michael Spilak, grandsons-in law, Shawn Hemingway and Tom Cary and great-great grandson, Quentin Cobb.

She is survived by her loving children Marion (Frank) May, John (Nancy) Koker, Gerald (Bettsey Spink) Koker, Richard (Arlene) Koker, Karen (Larry) Kurzynowski, Michael (Rachel) Koker, Stephanie (Tom) Heyden, 21
grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and 21 great-great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Margaret Yanik of Asheville, NC, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was a coal miner's wife, helped her husband farm in Leslie for 18 years after serving the war cause in Detroit factories. She graduated from the first LPN class at Jackson Community College. Her nursing career was spent with Mercy Hospital, Jackson City Nurse, and Dr. Frederick VanWagnen. Helen lived and loved in the faith of the Lord. Her family was the joy of her life and she especially enjoyed family gatherings. She was a queen cook and baker, and passed on to her family the traditional foods and customs of her Slovak and Polish heritage to her family. Euchre and Pinochle card games with her family and friends were always a treat.

She was active in St. John's Church and Widow's Group; served as a volunteer for Respite; kept healthy as a TOPS member. She was an avid follower of golf, football and baseball. She loved to travel, camp, fish, and the casinos. Her many hobbies were sewing, crafts, painting, and making greeting cards. She worked crossword puzzles daily, babied her flower and vegetable gardens, and hacked at golf to her 95th birthday. Her love touched many and will continue to be sprinkled on us from Heaven.

Mrs. Koker is at the Desnoyer Funeral Home where a Prayer Service will be held on Wednesday, October 14th at 10:00 AM followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church at 10:30 AM with Father James Shaver officiating. Private Interment at St. John's Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be 2 to 8 p.m on Tuesday, October 13, 2015 with a Vigil Service at 7:00 PM.


Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Catholic Church or charity of your choice.

Desnoyer Funeral Home--Family owned for 125 years