March 14, 1927 – July 25, 2018
Helen Barbara Yakacki, 91, a longtime resident of Danbury, CT, died peacefully on July 25, 2018, at Danbury Hospital with her loving family by her side. Helen was born in Highland, PA on March 14, 1927, to the late Joseph and Karolina (Blonski) Makowski. She graduated in 1944 from Foster Township High School in Freeland, PA. She was married to her late husband of 71 years, Anthony J. Yakacki on November 29, 1945. Moving to Danbury in 1951, Helen worked for the Barden Corporation until she retired in 1989. Helen was an avid sports fan of the UCONN women’s basketball team and enjoyed bowling and playing bingo. With her husband by her side, Helen enjoyed many AARP trips, especially to the casinos. She was a member of the Ladies Guild of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Danbury, CT.
Active in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Helen attended numerous sporting events and dance recitals. She looked forward to their visits and could not wait to hear what was new in their lives.
She loved having her family together, especially around the holidays which were a tradition at grandma’s. She shared special stories after feasting on one of her delicious meals. Grandma always made sure there were special snacks available for all who visited. At the drop of a hat, she would be available for whomever needed her help.
In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her brothers Walter, Stanley, Joseph and John, and sister Sophie Misavage. Surviving are her sons Anthony E. and his wife Ingrid of Berlin, MD; Robert and his wife Sharon of Danbury, CT; and daughter Carol Noreika and her husband Robert of New Fairfield, CT. Also surviving is her sister-in-law, Veronica C. Bonin of Hazelton, PA. Helen was blessed with nine grandchildren: Christyn Yakacki (Tom LeRoy), Anthony D. Yakacki, Brenna Sullivan (Ryan), Ryan Yakacki, Julie Fellone (Travis), Joseph Yakacki (Kaytee), Laurie Melo (Luis), David Yakacki, and Stacie Noreika and her fiancé Matthew Greenwood. In addition to her grandchildren, Helen was blessed with thirteen great-grandchildren: Joseph and William LeRoy; Brenna Van Voorhis; Andrew and Kira Yakacki; Cailyn, Owen and Quinn Sullivan; Zaira Yakacki; Lilianna Fellone; Maddux Yakacki; and Alexander and Amelia Melo. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, August 2, 2018, at 9:30 AM at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 46 Stone St., Danbury, CT. Burial will follow at St. Peter Cemetery, Danbury, CT. There are no calling hours per Helen’s request. Donations can be made in Helen’s name to the charity of one’s choice.
