IN MEMORIAM: Helen Sokolowski, 90;
Nurse Went Into Dairy Farming Locally
NEW LISBON – Helen J. Sokolowski, 90, a nurse who moved to Otsego County in 1971 and went into dairy farming with her husband and son, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017, at Chestnut Park Rehabilitation & Nursing Center.
Helen was born in New York City, the daughter of Frank and Mary (Cenek) Mahdal on Jan. 17, 1927.
She graduated from St. John’s Hospital School of Nursing in 1948 and shortly after married Leonard Sokolowski on Nov. 7, 1948.
Helen began her nursing career at the VA Hospital in Montrose and worked until they built a house in Garrison in 1965.
In 1971, Helen and Leonard moved to West Oneonta and later Morris and worked together with their son, Ken, on their dairy farm. They retired in 1997 and moved to New Lisbon. She loved the farm and her pets. She enjoyed sewing and crocheting.
She was a member of Zion Episcopal Church in Morris.
Helen was a friendly and outgoing person with a strong personality. She enjoyed traveling and had a fond memory of taking her grandsons, Adam and Josh, to Hawaii.
Helen is survived by her three children, Kenneth (Linda) Sokolowski of Morris, Debra (William) Lindman of Long Island and Ellen Sokolowski of New Lisbon; four grandchildren, Adam (Nicole) Sokolowski, Joshua Sokolowski, Sarah (Patrick) Petriello and Kristen Lindman; one great-grandchild, Donna; her favorite cousin, Claire Day; and her faithful, loving poodle, Rascal.
She was predeceased by her husband, Leonard, on June 6, 2007.
A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family.
The family thanks all of the nurses and the staff at the Chestnut Park Rehabilitation & Nursing Center for their care and attention given to Helen during her stay there.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Helen’s name to the Garrattsville Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 153, Garrattsville, NY 13342 or Zion Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 156, Morris, NY 13808.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.johnstonfh.com.
Arrangements are by the Johnston Funeral Home of Morris.
