Obituary: Helen M. Chervenak, 96, of Fairfield

From Dennis & D'Arcy Funeral Home

Helen M. Chervenak, long-time resident of Fairfield, entered into peaceful rest on Wednesday, June 13, 2018, at The Ludlowe Center for Health in Fairfield.

Helen was the beloved wife of the late John S. Chervenak, Jr. She was born in Siba, Czechoslovakia on November 9, 1921 and was the daughter of Adam and Zuzanna Hajtol.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by five siblings. Joseph Hajtol, Sr. of Stratford, her brother Jan and sisters Mary, Verona, and Anna in Slovakia.

Helen immigrated in February 1939 aboard the S.S. Bremen, one of the last transatlantic ocean liners to the United States prior to World War II. She was reunited with her father at Ellis Island and settled in Pennsylvania where she completed her education at The First Catholic Slovak Girls Academy in Danville, Pennsylvania.

A very proud American citizen she forged many enduring friendships. Helen was proud of her Slovak heritage and delighted in entertaining family and friends with her ethnic specialties. She always thought of others first and had the ability to endure and accept life’s challenges and losses with grace and courageous faith.

Helen is survived by her devoted children, the Reverend Deacon Raymond J. Chervenak, his wife Beth, and her daughter Patricia Ann. She was the proud and loving grandmother and “babicka” to her cherished grandchildren, Christopher Michael and Lisa Marie.

In addition to the immediate family, she is survived by nieces Carol Brochu, Sue Fiorito, and nephew Joseph Hajtol, Jr. and several nieces and nephews in Europe.

An extension of Helen’s love of family include dear family friends — Bob and Grace Kelemen, Mike and Irene Rich, Sue Kearney, Mary Jean Haisley, Rosemary Pastor, Al Pastor, and her wonderful neighbors whom she considered family.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the compassionate staff at Bridgeport Hospital, Ludlowe Health Center, the VITAS hospice nurses, the Clergy at Assumption Parish in Fairfield, and especially to her private caregiver Clare for all of their love, caring and support of our family. We thank you.

In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make donations in memory of Helen to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105 or to their charity of choice.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Dennis & D'Arcy Funeral Home here.