Helen Rychak Llewellyn

Helen Rychak Llewellyn of Hialeah and DeLand, FL, age 92 1/2, entered heaven (her eternal resting place) on December 14, 2024. Helen was born July 1932 in Johnstown, PA. Her parents (Ukraine descendants) were

Steven and Catherine Haverlak Rychak. She is preceded in death by her parents, Husband James E. Llewellyn, Infant son David John (deceased November 1957), Brothers Charles (JoAnne) John (Dorothy), Joseph (Rosella), Steven (Sophie). Harry (Elsie), Paul, son-in-law Dale Moldenhauer, sister-in-law Delores Rychak and brother-in-law Glenn Rolla.

Helen was raised modestly in Lorrain Borough, PA. Their family took in boarders and family members to make ends meet in the coal mining and steel town. She met her husband Jim after being introduced to him by one of her brothers. After Jim moved to Hialeah, FL to work in the aviation field, Helen followed a short time later. They were married in 1954 in St. Luke Lutheran Church and were faithful members until many years later. In October 1956, they bought their home in Hialeah, where they raised their family. In addition to being a homemaker, Helen worked several jobs over the years. In the 1960’s she worked at Sears and Roebuck in the candy department. The family enjoyed many treats, especially the popcorn. Later she worked as an office administrator for Southland Corporation (7/11) and retired from the company. Helen was a strong woman and never complained when not feeling well even after multiple surgeries. An example was she continued to do housework after a fall which ended up with a fractured shoulder requiring surgery. She was a “Tough Cookie”. Helen was legendary for her delicious cooking. Nothing made her happier than serving big meals to family, relatives and friends. The holidays were extra special because of her traditional meals such as stuffed cabbage, perogies, pickled eggs and her potato salad as well as Ukrainian desserts. Both Helen and Jim installed a strong sense of faith and family togetherness and support which extended to friends who soon become like family. Helen was known to “Grandma” to many friends who knew her. After the passing of her husband in 2015, she remained fiercely independent and continued to live in the family home of 68 years. In the spring of 2023, at the age of 90, it became evident that she could no longer safely live alone. Helen’s children jointly made the decision to relocate her to DeLand, FL for appropriate care. The family is very grateful that Helen’s last years were relatively stable and comfortable. Even as her health declined and her memory faded, she enjoyed socializing and even won bingo a few weeks prior to her passing. The caring staff at Brookdale Assisted Living and Alliance Community all loved her kind and friendly nature. She was also blessed to have multiple generations of family living in the area who were always there with love and support. However, the entire family supported Helen to retain a good quality of life until the end.

Helen will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. Survived by Sons James and wife Evelyn, David and wife Kelly, Daughters Katherine Moldenhauer, Susan Carbungco and husband Stan.

Grandchildren Rossie Foley and husband John, James, Michael, Nicholas and wife Mimi, David and wife Michele, Kristen Jackson and husband William, Jarod and wife Samantha, Jonathan Carbungco and wife Tiffany and Joshua Carbungco. Great Grandchildren John Michael, Alexandria, Elijah, Jude, Silas, Annabella, Madaline, Charlotte, Penelope, Noah, Chloe, Laxley Jr, Olivia and Liam. Helen is also survived by her brother Peter and Sister-in Doris Llewellyn Rolla. She was a dear Aunt to many nieces and nephews and “Special Grandma” to the Kourtesis-Fisher family.

The phrase “Celebration of Life” sometimes seems at odds when one is mourning a loss, especially a premature one. But in this case, after 90-plus years as the kind and loving family matriarch (Mom and Grandma), we can all take comfort that it is in fact, a celebration of Helen Rychak Llewellyn’s wonderful life. The family would like to thank everyone who played a part in that life!

A family graveside service is planned. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the non-profit organization Miami Springs Lions Club at 301 Swallow Dr. Miami Springs, FL 33166. Zelle 786-655-1038 or your favorite charity in Helen’s memory.