Helen C Pochodylo

Helen C. Pochodylo, 92, of Port Huron passed away peacefully on July 25, 2014 after a long illness.

She was born on May 31, 1922 in Port Huron, and was the oldest of six children born to Andrew and Katherine Pochodylo. Helen graduated from Port Huron High School, Port Huron Junior College and Michigan State Normal College (known today as Eastern Michigan University). She was a lifelong parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church and a lifetime member of the League of Catholic Women. Helen was also a member of the American Association of University Women and Eastern Michigan University Alumni Association. She was proudly a very active member of the PHEA while she was teaching and a lifetime member of both the MEA and NEA.

Helen’s career as an educator in the Port Huron Area School District spanned 44 years. Second only to family was her love for teaching and affection for the hundreds of children that were in her classes at Lincoln and Garfield Schools. Helen had an amazing ability to remember the names and faces of those she taught and enjoyed reminiscing about her students and teaching days. She often received cards and notes from former students as well as invitations to special events in their lives.

Helen’s kind, caring nature and continuous generosity endeared her to family and friends. Whether through a thoughtful note, listening ear, attendance at a special event or a special gift, she stayed connected with her loved ones. She always treasured the time spent at family gatherings. In recent years “Aunt Helen” delighted in being closely involved in the lives of her great niece and nephew, Maggie and Robbie Bacheller of Port Huron. They loved to spend time with her and help her in any way they could, and learned much about family history and life in the "olden days” in the process.

When not involved in family or school activities, Helen enjoyed volunteering at the Mercy Hospital gift shop, shopping for special dishes, linen tablecloths or anything related to the kitchen, attending music concerts by the river, traveling and playing bridge with lifelong friends.

Helen is survived by her sister, caregiver and lifelong companion, Mary Pochodylo of Port Huron; brothers, Andrew Pochodylo of Port Huron and Max Pochodylo of Marysville; and sister, Eleanor Russell of Monroe. She is also survived by nieces and nephews, Mary Anne Wiegand, Susan (Mike) Bacheller, Kay (Steve) Presby, Mark (Carol) Pochodylo, Jim (Kris) Pochodylo, Ann (Chuck) Teasley, Becky (Peter) Ciccanesi, Laurie (Bob) Currier, Cindy (Lavern) Robinson, Craig (Robin) Russell, Kevin (Lisa) Russell, Karen Russell and Doug (Kathryn) Russell, as well as numerous great nieces and nephews.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; sister and brother-in-law, Stella and Robert Wiegand; and sisters-in-law, Maureen and Doris Pochodylo.

Visitation will be from 1-4 and 6-8 pm Monday in the Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home. A Rosary will be recited at 7:30 pm Monday.

Funeral services will be 10 am Tuesday, July 29, 2014 in St. Joseph Catholic Church with visiting from 9:30 am until the time of service. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Church or Mercy Hospital Auxiliary.

Helen’s family would like to extend their gratitude to the many caregivers who lovingly helped care for her throughout the last year.