(OCA) Matushka Helen Kuchta, 81, of Frackville, PA, passed away unexpectedly Friday morning at Lehigh Valley Medical Center-East, Pottsville, PA.

Born in Frackville, she was predeceased by her husband, Archpriest John Kuchta (Dec 20, 1999). She was a daughter of the late Stephen and Sophie Charowsky Chrin and was a graduate of Frackville High School.

Matushka Helen was a member of Holy Ascension Orthodox Church, Frackville, PA. She was devoted to her service of the church throughout her life, and loved her role as Matushka for her husband’s postings throughout Pennsylvania in Jermyn, Old Forge, Charleroi and Edwardsville and their last posting in Bethesda, MD. After her beloved husband’s passing, she willingly and loving continued her love of the church by making pierogies and pascha bread, always there to teach others with the smile for which she was known.

Matushka Helen loved spending time with her family. One of her true joys was visiting with her grandchildren, and teaching them how to sew, bake, and play cards. Together with her daughter and son-in-law, she loved being together as a family. She also enjoyed spending so much time with her sisters and brother and all of her extended family. She was an amazing baker, and her sweet rolls are famous throughout the family.

In addition to her husband and parents she was preceded in death by a sister; Sophia B. Pellock (John).

Matushka Helen is survived by her daughter; Christina Nocera and her husband Jim, Manassas, VA, grandchildren Anthony Nocera and Elon Nocera; sisters; Catherine Bricker (Donald), Frackville, Sandra Pascavage (Albert), Danville, Ill; Marie Robbins (Sherwood), Frackville and Donna Knock (Bill), Hometown; a brother Ted Chrin (Karen) Barnesville; many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday morning at the Holy Ascension Orthodox Church, Frackville, PA. Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM Friday morning at the church. Interment will be in Holy Ascension Cemetery, Englewood/Frackville, PA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Holy Ascension Orthodox Church in Frackville, PA.

May Matushka Helen’s memory be eternal!