Helena (Sparks) Naydock

 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Helena K. Naydock, 90, of Orwigsburg.  She passed on Sunday, May 15th in Seton Manor where she was a resident for 5 years.  Born in New Castle, DE May 22, 1931, Helena was the daughter of the late Jennie (McHugh) and Edward Dubois Sparks.  She was the youngest of 8 children.

Helena was a graduate of St. Peter’s High School and St. Joseph’s School of Nursing.  She worked as a registered nurse at St. Francis and Wilmington General Hospital in Delaware, and later worked private duty as her children were growing up. She moved to Orwigsburg, PA in 1972 and worked as a clerk at Rosehill Department Store for several years.

She was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Schuylkill Haven.  Her Catholic faith was very strong, and she carried rosary beads and small prayer books in her purse.  When she was no longer able to attend church, she watched Mass and prayed the rosary daily. Helena exemplified the great faith that we need every day in our lives.

Her favorite pastime was spending time with her family and friends. Helena was the loudest cheerleader at all her grandchildren’s sporting events.  She treasured trips to the beach, shopping, playing cards, solving crossword puzzles and going to the casino. Music was a lifelong passion which she instilled in every one of us; she was especially fond of Neil Diamond, Rod Stewart, and Herb Albert.

Helena was a lover of Italian cuisine but preferred desserts over food. Chocolate ice cream was her favorite followed by chocolate milkshakes. She loved the color blue, dancing with her children and grandchildren, laughing, and telling very long and detailed jokes.  Helena loved to entertain and those around her were drawn to her outgoing personality.  Selflessness and generosity were a part of her spirit and she touched the lives of many.  Her children and her family were her priority, and her fabulous sense of humor and positive attitude was obvious to all who loved her. “I’m giving while I’m living!” was her favorite motto.

Helena was preceded in death by her husband, Harry T. Naydock, Sr. They were married 53 years when he passed in 2008.  She was also preceded in death by her son, Harry Jr. in 1985.  Her siblings, Jane Ann, Marie, Edward, Dolores, Jim, and twins Theresa and Paul, also preceded her in death.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Jean Jones, wife of Richard, Milford, DE and Christine Klepchick, wife of Anthony, Carolina Shores, NC, and 2 sons, Karl Naydock, husband of Lori, Easton, PA, and James, husband of Brenda, Schuylkill Haven, PA. Helena is also survived by 10 grandchildren:  Jason Klepchick, Brandon Klepchick, Nicholas Klepchick, Lindsey Zuluaga, Travis Jones, Alexandra Naydock, Jake Naydock, Jamie Jones, Matt Naydock, and Kacey Rose. Helena is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren: Alyssa Klepchick, Ashley Klepchick, Donavynn Trumps, Andrae Klepchick, Adley Klepchick, Hannah Zuluaga, Olivia Zuluaga, Cayden Klepchick, Haley Klepchick, and Xander Naydock.  She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Dawn Sparks and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Schuylkill Haven on Thursday, May 19th at 10:30.  Family and friends are invited to call from 9:15-10:15 am at St. Ambrose before Mass.

There will be no viewing per Helena’s request.  Interment will be in Schuylkill Memorial Park.

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