Helen Louise Lesko, age 89, of Nanticoke PA, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2024, in Falls Church, Virginia. She was preceded in death by her husband Norman Lesko who passed away on November 9, 2020.
Helen Peranski, the daughter of the late Joseph and Helen Birosik Peranski, was born on December 30, 1934. She grew up in Nanticoke, PA helping her mother clean houses and working briefly in a cigar factory. She then began working at Bell Telephone as a telephone operator. It was around this time that she met her future husband and often told the tale of how she would return his dime when he would call her at work.
After Helen married, they moved to Washington, D.C. and then Maryland where she raised four boys. She was a homemaker and devoted wife and mother to her children, who loved and cherished time with her family. She always made time for her children throughout their lives and supported them however she could which included teaching them the fundamentals of life. Helen treated friends and neighbors the same way. Always happy to open her home, lend a helping hand or provide a home cooked meal. She will truly be missed and cherished in our hearts forever. Helen and Norm eventually moved to the Sunrise Senior Living community in Falls Church, VA where they both quickly became beloved members of the community.
Helen enjoyed many hobbies and activities throughout her life, with favorites including daily walks, tai chi classes, puzzles, bowling, a round or two of Jeopardy watching, and a good night out Polka dancing. She also really loved spending time with her grandchildren.
Helen is survived by her four sons, Thomas (Paula), Roanoke, VA; David (Jane), Annandale, VA; Allen (Anne-Marie), Ellicott City, MD; and Scott (Jennifer), Front Royal, VA; and her five grandchildren, John, Jack, Julia, Liam and Phoebe. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, Thomas Peranski.
There will be a private service on July 19, 2024. A Celebration of Life will be held for both Helen and Norman at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you enjoy a bowlful or two of ice cream, have a little coffee with your milk, a good poppy seed roll, and always call a loved one and leave two rings after traveling so they know you got home safely.
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