Helen Laura Pracon

Helen Laura Pracon (nee Szczurek) of Philadelphia departed us peacefully on June 28, 2024.  She was 97 years old. For more than 55 years, Helen was the devoted wife of Navy veteran Frank S. Pracon until his death in 2008.  They previously lived in the Mayfair section of Philadelphia, PA, and spent their summers in Cape May, NJ.

Known as “Sis” and “Ciocia,” Helen was the “heart and soul” of the Szczurek family.  The daughter of Andras Szczurek and Mary Kanska, she was the only sister of Frank, Anthony, Walter, Stanley, Edward and Henry Szczurek. Helen is survived by her brother, Henry, and his wife, Angie and will be sorely missed by her large extended family where she was aunt to over 70 nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.

Born on Staten Island on April 27, 1927, she grew up in the Nicetown area of Philadelphia.  An original Rosie the Riveter, Helen worked during WWII assembling tools and parts used by the Navy.  In her retirement years, Helen spent many days in Cape May while visiting often with family, until she moved to the Philadelphia Protestant Home in her nineties where she had many pleasant days.

Helen always believed in family first.  She was never happier than when surrounded by the children in our family.  She was a source of love and strength to all.

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Tuesday, July 9th, 2024 at the chapel of The Protestant Home of Philadelphia where family and friends may call from 10:00AM until 10:30AM with a service at 10:30AM.

She will have a private veteran burial at Indiantown Gap National Veterans Cemetery on Wednesday, July 10th.
 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Philadelphia Protestant Home.

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