Helena Nyznik Mccullough

Helena Nyznik McCullough, formerly of Owego and Newark Valley, passed peacefully on January 17, 2009 following a period of declining health. Helena is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Patricia and Walter OConnell, Helen and Paul Buckthal, her son, Edward S. McCullough, Jr., her sister, Mary Judski, her four grandchildren, Richard (Jennifer) OConnell, Valerie (Robert) Dunn, Karen (Jeffrey) Pinco, Sarah (David) Riddle, seven great grandchildren, Joshua and Julia Dunn, Stephan and Ilan Pinco, Evan and Finnegan OConnell and Owen Riddle. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.Helen was born in Wilkes-Barre, PA a daughter of the late Harry and Mary (Katchuk) Niznik, Sr. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brothers, Harry, Peter and Michael Niznik , sisters-in-law, Nora and Betty Niznik and brother-in-law, Chester Judski.As a devoted mother, Helena served for many years as a Boy Scout, Girl Scout and 4-H leader. She was employed as manager of the Credit Dept. at the former Owego Sears Store for five years and then as the Executive Directory of the Tioga County Unit of the American Cancer Society in Owego for 16 years. Helenas memberships included the Owego Camera Club (past president), Triple Cities Hiking Club (hike leader and Board of Directors), Owego BPW and the Endwell Garden Club. She also served as a volunteer for the United Way of Tioga County and the American Cancer Society, on the Board of Directors for the Tioga County Mental Health Assoc.and as chairperson of the Historical Walks and Hikes of Tioga County on the Bicentennial Commission. In keeping with Helenas wishes, her body has been donated for medical science and research.A Memorial service will be held at 11 am on June 27, 2009 at the MacPherson Funeral Home, 5 Whig St. Newark Valley, NY.Expressions of sympathy may be directed to Narsad Research Fund, 60 Cutter Mill Rd. Suite 404, Great Neck, NY 11021 or some may prefer to plant a tree, at the place of their choice, in memory of Helena Nyznik McCullough.