Helen Protyniak

Helen (Macko) Protyniak, age 97, of Erie, died on Sunday November 1, 2015 at Golden Living Walnut Creek. She was born in Homestead, Pittsburgh, PA on October 7, 1918 to the late Mary Palko and Andrew Macko.

Helen graduated from Homestead High School in 1936. Upon moving to Erie with her husband Steve, she worked as a waitress at the Pittsburgh Inn, Clifton Manor, and Sportsman’s Club. She retired in 2000 after 50+ years of waitressing. She was a member of St. Julia Church where she volunteered and participated in the rosary society. She also enjoyed bingo and was an avid card player especially euchre, rummy and poker. She had fun running with the girls. But above all, she loved her family and was dearly loved by all particularly her grandchildren. She was a wonderful cook and treated all to her homemade Slovak dishes.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 30 years, Steve Protyniak in 1970; her daughter Elaine Claudio in 2014; sisters, Ernestine Macko, Tilly Cush, and Agnes Richel; and brothers George Macko and John Macko.

Helen is survived by her daughter Andrea (William) Spierling of Erie; a sister Mary Reed of Erie; six grandchildren: Darcy, William, Nicole, Debi, Evan and Stephanie; thirteen great grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren with one on the way. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on the family on Friday from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 W. 26th St. (at Powell Ave.) and attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday Nov. 7 at St. Julia Church, West Lake Rd. and Powell Ave., at 10am. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.