Helena "Helen" Berthold's Obituary
Helena “Helen” E. (Ichton) Berthold, age 95 and a longtime resident of Methuen passed into eternal life, after a brief period of declining health, surrounded by her loving family on Friday, February 12, 2021. Helen was the beloved wife of the late Henry J. Berthold, having shared 66 years of marriage.
Born in Lawrence, Helen was the daughter of the late Franek “Frank” and Julia (Banas) Ichton. She was a graduate of the former Holy Trinity Grammar School in Lawrence and Lawrence High School. Helen Worked in the Lawrence Mills, GIBCO, and Gillette.
Helen “Nana” was a very devoted mother, mother in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. She treasured her Catholicism. Helen was patriotic and voted in every election. Helen was a caring and fun-loving woman, who enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. She had many tender qualities which were evident in the warmth of her lovely smile, her thoughtfulness and her readiness to assist. Helen often reminisced about her childhood days. She would tell the family about Christmas’ past, when as a child, her mother would set a table of Polish delicacies, and also bowls of festive red and green gelatin, and as was custom then, the parish priest would stop by their modest family home to bless the food and family.
Helen and Henry hosted many gatherings in the “House that Henry Built” and also enjoyed the visits, meals, and hospitality at the homes of siblings, children, grandchildren, in-laws, (and enjoyed visiting with Laura: Memere), and with nephews Ken, Donald, Lennie, (and their “Candles in the Window” hospitality, invitations, cards, phone calls, and lunches), and Helen’s nieces Paula’s luncheons, Joan’s cook-outs and festive New Year’s Day Celebrations, cousins and aunt parties at Bill and Judy’s home, Kyu’s seafood lunches, and Flo’s festive gatherings. Helen enjoyed the family “adventure trips”, long scenic rides, and nature. Helen will be remembered for her love and concerns for others, her sincerity, compassion, determination, and fortitude.
Helen is survived by her beloved three children, their spouses and Helen’s grandchildren: Son, H. Ronald Berthold and his wife Ann, their son Thomas Berthold, and her daughters; Maureen Haidaichuk and her husband Bob Sr., and their children Bob Haidaichuk Jr. and his wife Cyndy, Brian Haidaichuk and his wife Cheri and Steven Haidaichuk and his wife Beth, Gail King and her husband Paul and children Michael Sabor and Derek Sabor and his wife Ann. Helen is also survived by her cherished 8 great-grandchildren: Brittany, Kaylee, Robby, and his wife Tara, Ryan, Alex, Angelika, Joshua, and Finley. Helen also leaves her five precious great-great-grandchildren: Zander, Kora, Levi, Abigail, and Patrick. She leaves behind many other dear relatives: her sister in-law, Ann Ichton, brothers in-law: Raymond Berthold, Arthur Berthold and his wife Cecile, as well as several very caring nieces, and nephews, the Lee Family: Kyu, Justin, Christina, and all of Helen’s extended family. The family extends a special appreciation, in gratitude for the many acts of kindness, support and prayers.
A special thanks to: Paula, Joan, Carol, and to all of Helen’s loving in-laws, to Julie and Gino, Candace, Brooke, Ralph, Judy, and for a special caring “Pen Pal Cousin” Elaine; to the assisting clergy; Helen’s caring physician Dr. Vartan Veghiazarians, and to the Merrimack Valley Hospice.
Besides her husband Henry, Helen was pre-deceased by her sister, Mary Barry and her husband Francis, brother Bruno Ichton and his wife Ann, brother Joseph “Jazz” Ichton and his wife Pauline, and her sister in-law Irene Laird, brother in-law Leo Berthold and his wife Irene, brothers in-law Edward and Fr. George Berthold, and sister in-law Helen Peters.
Due to the Covid Pandemic, services were private for the family, with a Mass of Christian Burial being celebrated at St. Monica’s Parish on February 16, 2021. Interment followed at Elmwood Cemetery.
Donations in Helen’s name may be made to one of the following charities: St. Monica’s Parish, 212 Lawrence St. Methuen, MA 01844, or to St. Anthony’s Bread Franciscan Mission Associates https://franciscanmissionassoc.org/support-our-work/st-anthonys-bread/ or to Merrimack Valley Hospice https://www.homehealthfoundation.org/donate/friends-of-mvh or to the Disabled American Vets, online donations not accepted; personal checks accepted as a memorial, please write in: “In Memorial for H. Berthold” on the check memo line and mail to Disabled American Veterans, State House, Rm. 546 Boston, MA 02133.
The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Berthold Family.
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