Helene Laura Dranko Hijek

Helene Laura Dranko Hijek, age 100, daughter of Joseph and Sophia Ewa Dranko, joined her husband, Andrew, along with her eight brothers and sisters in Heaven on March 2, 2024.

Helene was born in McKeesport on February 28, 1924 and raised in Port Vue. She is survived by her two children, Barbara and Bill Hijek, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and many nieces and nephews including Judy (Jon) Hruska Puc of North Huntingdon Township and Margie (Rick) Hijek Young of St. Clairsville, OH.

Helen was the quintessential 1950’s Mom, right up there with June Cleaver. She cooked, kept an immaculate home, crocheted, sewed and loved to shop.

But most of all Helene lived for her family. When her daughter, Barbara, moved to Florida in 1983, she and her son, Bill, followed a few years later, keeping the family intact.

She enjoyed her life in Florida: people-watching at the beach, Disney, long drives to beach towns like Key West, fun restaurants, festivals and non-stop shopping until she was diagnosed with dementia.

May Helen rest in peace in the Lord’s arms.

Family and friends will gather at Strifflers of White Oak Cremation and Mortuary Services, Inc., 1100 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA 15131 (Sue Striffler Galaski, supervisor, 412-678-6177) on Thursday, March 14, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of prayers at 10:30 a.m. A burial will follow at St. Mary’s Polish Cemetery in White Oak.

To share a memory or condolences, please visit www.strifflerfuneralhomes.com