Helen A. Shivok

Helen A. Shivok, 98, died Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at her home on W. Market St. in Bethlehem. Helen was born on November 18, 1916 to Andrew and Mary Vojtko of Morton St. Bethlehem the youngest of seven siblings. She completed 8th grade at Ss. Cyril and Methodius Parish School in 1933. Helen started working at the Chic Bag Co. on 4th St. in 1939 until she married John Shivok in 1942. When John first laid eyes on Helen, he told his friend, “Thats the girl Im going to marry!” John died in August, 1950 leaving Helen with two children, ages 3 and 6. Helen went back to work at the Chic Bag Co. and worked there from 1951 to 1957. Helen then worked at Schobel Brothers Tie Factory on E. 3rd. St. Bethlehem from 1957 - 1973. She enjoyed the friendship of a diverse group of energetic women who were always ready to party behind Jack Schobels back. In 1974, Helen began working at Fountain Hill Mills on Bishopthorpe St. in Fountain Hill. Helen retired in 1983 at the age of 67. She was a member of the ILGWA Union. During Helens working years, she survived the prejudices of being a single working mother in the 1950s by instilling in her children a fear of her hand and the responsibility of family, love, and togetherness. She was an independent woman with a strong work ethic both at home and in the workplace. She survived many hardships but was always ready to have a good time. After her retirement, Helen enjoyed memberships in the Senior Citizen Group of Bethlehem and Holy Ghost Seniors. She loved going on bus trips to summer clambakes and picnics, casinos and shows. She especially enjoyed playing bingo and the PA Lottery. She was a staunch supporter of the South Side of Bethlehem. She loved high school sports, Lehigh Football, the Iron Pigs, the Phillies and the Eagles. She also loved the Freddy Awards! Helen loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Helen is survived by her two children, John and his wife, Theresa, and her daughter, Elaine; seven grandchildren John, Tracey, Jason, Keith, Marc, Aaron and Zachary; and two great-grandchildren, Kylee Marie and Lila Jane. Helen loved all her in-laws, nieces and nephews, their wives and children. She was preceded in death by her mother and father; her husband, John; her sisters, Anna, Mary and Veronica; and her brothers, Stephen, Charles and Andrew.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, September 28, 2015 at 10 a.m. at Incarnation of Our Lord Parish, 617 Pierce St. Bethlehem, PA 18015. Viewings will be held on Sunday, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and again on Monday from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Connell Funeral Home, Inc. 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem. Burial will be held at Holy Saviour Cemetery in Bethlehem.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Helens name to Incarnation of Our Lord Parish or Holy Ghost Parish 417 Carlton Ave Bethlehem, PA. 18015.

Funeral HomeConnell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA - 18018
US
610-868-8531