Helen Krocsko Pikulski

Helen Krocsko Pikulski, 95, of Washington, died peacefully, February 9, 2015, in Southminster Place of Presbyterian SeniorCare where she had been living for the past 9 years. She was born November 7, 1919, in Louise Mine, near Burgettstown, and lived her childhood years in Raccoon. She was the daughter of the late Michael Krocsko, Sr., and Suzanne Kostrey Krocsko, both of whom emigrated together to the United States from Czechoslovakia. Mrs. Pikulski was a 1937 graduate of Union High School in Burgettstown. She enjoyed her family, quilt making, sewing and crafts, but mostly enjoyed spending time with her beloved husband and “buddy,” Joseph, with whom she traveled extensively during his 21-year military career. Mrs. Pikulski lived her life with a deep and abiding faith in God, often reciting the hymnal verse, “Jesus is all the world to me, My life, my joy, my all; He is my strength from day to day, Without Him I would fall. When I am sad, to Him I go, No other one can cheer me so; When I am sad, He makes me glad, He’s my Friend.” She was a member of Third United Presbyterian Church and a retired member of the Martha Washington Quilters Guild. On February 7, 1942, she married her childhood sweetheart, Joseph A. Pikulski, who died October 25, 2008. She was the last of her immediate family. Deceased are three brothers, Michael Krocsko, John Krocsko and Paul Krocsko; and four sisters, Suzanne Krocsko, Anna Chermak, Mary Abate and Sophie McFarland. Surviving are a niece, Rosemary (Ed) Guna of Venetia, who was her primary caregiver, and several other nieces and nephews. Friends will be received Wednesday, February 11th, from 11 a.m. till 1 p.m., the time of service, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, with Rev. Clarejean Haury officiating. Burial will follow in Grandview Cemetery, Florence.