Helen (Pascovich) Soyka

SOYKA, Helen, 92, Windber, PA, departed Dec. 31, 2020 at Good Samaritan Hospital, Johnstown, PA. Born August 3, 1928, in Wehrum, PA, daughter of the late Michael Pascovich and Catherine (Hensal) Skowron, and step-daughter of the late Stanley J. Skowron, Sr.; Preceded in death by parents and by husband, Joseph Soyka, sister Ann (Pascovich) Papinchak, and brother, John, at a young age. Survived by brothers Michael Pascovich and Nicholas Pascovich, both of Windber, step-brothers Stanley “Skip” J. Skowron, Jr., Johns Creek, GA, and Gregory J. Skowron, Johnstown, PA. Loving mother of and survived by Karen Ann Martynuska, married to Stephen Martynuska, Altoona, PA, Brian Joseph Soyka, married to Marlene (Nyda) Soyka, Windber, and Mark Thomas Soyka, married to Jill (Chapman) Soyka, Round Hill, VA; grandchildren Leaha Marie Martynuska, Bowie, MD, Nicholas Stephen Martynuska and Michael Stephen Martynuska, both of Altoona; Stephanie (Soyka) Merberger, Johnstown, Chad Alan Soyka, Raleigh, NC, and Danielle Marie Soyka, Columbus, OH; Everly Katherine Soyka, Benjamin Evans Soyka, and Aidan Joseph Soyka, Round Hill; and eight great-grandchildren. A 1946 graduate of Windber High School. Forty-two year dedicated employee of GTE, now Verizon Corp, as a telephone operator, and supported the former family business of the Skowron’s (now Windber) Hotel and Grand Hotel. Helen loved to camp with her family, traveling and walking with Joseph in retirement, and gardening in her later years. She was known in Windber for her avid walking.  She most loved spending time with her family and always providing positive encouragement no matter what the situation was, making a lasting impact on so many lives. Lifelong devotion to God and member of St. Mary’s (Dormition) Byzantine Catholic Church, Windber, where Divine Liturgy will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 4, Fr. Ivan Rusyn. Committal church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12 noon to 1:45 pm, previous to the service on Monday at Meek and Dalla Valle Funeral Home, Windber.  (Social distancing and CDC guidelines must be followed, masks required.) A memorial celebration is expected in mid-to-late 2021. Please send prayers and, if desired, donate to St. Mary’s or your favorite charity in memory of Helen. www.meekfuneralhome.com

 

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