Helen Ogorzalek

Helen “Helcia” Ogorzalek, 94, of Reading, Pennsylvania, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to all, passed away on Saturday, December 2, 2023. She was predeceased by her loving husband, John M. Ogorzalek in 2008.

She was born in Schuylkill Haven, PA. on February 7, 1929, a daughter of the late Richard and Margaret A. (Schlachter) Derricott. Helen married John on June 20, 1953 (for whom she learned to make golumpki – a Polish stuffed cabbage specialty) and eventually moved to Pottstown, PA where she maintained a loving and wonderful family home for their four children. She was employed by Pottstown School District and also taught English as a second language. She enjoyed reading, watching NCIS marathons on television, traveling the country with her husband to visit their children in various cities and homes, and being the quintessential hostess of family gatherings. A true social butterfly, Helen could strike up conversation with anyone she encountered, no matter the situation. In her “Granny” years, she doted on her grandchildren who were the loves of her life, spending the summer weeks going back-to-school shopping with them, and attending their many activities including birthday parties, sporting events, plays, concerts, and graduations.

Helen spent the last six years residing at Berkshire Commons in Reading, PA. She and the family are deeply appreciative of the great care she received during her time there.

Surviving are her 4 children; John M. "Marty" Ogorzalek, widower of Udom Ogorzalek, Jeffrey M. Ogorzalek and his wife Sheryl E. Nagle, Josephine M. "Josie" and her husband Michael Trexler, Jennifer M. Ogorzalek and her husband Ronald Grudzinski, and 9 grandchildren: David, Amanda, Maxwell, Jeremy, Emily, Margaret, Sophie, Benjamin and Chloe.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Helen’s memory may be made to the Pottstown Regional Public Library.

https://pottstownregionalpubliclibrary.org/fundraisers/

Online condolences may be made at www.aumansinc.com for the Ogorzalek family.