Obituary of Helen K. Mesnica

Helen Katherine Mesnica (Sokolowski), age 95, of Goshen NY, entered into eternal rest on Monday, May 14, 2018 at Valley View Center.

The daughter of the late Michael and Frances (Rhein) Sokolowski, Helen was born on August 21, 1922 in Florida, NY, where she lived for the majority of her life. Helen was a member of St. Joseph’s Church of Florida, NY and their Living Rosary Society, as well as the Warwick Senior Citizens Club. She retired from Big V (Shop Rite) in Florida NY where she worked for many years in the deli and meat department. Helen was an avid card player, book lover, and world traveler. She loved the casinos in Atlantic City, and the Phase 10 table at Valley View later in life. She resided at Valley View for nearly 10 years.

Helen was the beloved matriarch of a family that includes five children, eight grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren. She is survived by four daughters, Carol Bach of Goshen; Gerry Farrell of Middletown; Jo-Ellen (Kevin) Smith of  New Smyrna Beach, FL; Barbara (Paul) Messina of Goshen; son Jay Mesnica of Middletown; 8 grandchildren, Jim (Wendy) Wood, John (Marlene) Wood, Cheryl (Gary) Samz, Dawn (Michael) Hazard, Rusty (Paula) Granger, Jason (Sarah) Wilson, Kelly (Tim) Cox, and Megan Charles; and 18 great-grandchildren, Michele Wood, Sara Wood, Jared Wood, Ryan Wood, Erin Wood, Katie Rose Duff, Brian Duff, Taylor (Matthew) Raimondo, Kyle Doce, Claire Hazard, Chloe Hazard, Jesse Hazard, Aislyn Cox, Reagan Cox, Mariah Charles, Jeremiah Charles, Aimee Mendez, and Abby Mendez. Helen also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, as well as her beloved extended family, friends, and staff at Valley View. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on through all who loved her. Her family will remember her fondly for her fierce spirit, spunk, wit, and her beautiful vibrant smile. 

Helen was predeceased by her husband, Joseph J. Mesnica; brother Stanley Sokolofsky; son-in-law John Bach Sr., and three great-grandchildren, Samantha Rose Duff, Paige Hazard, and Isiah Charles. Her family takes comfort knowing that she will be greeted in the arms of her angels. 

Visitation will be on Wednesday, May 16th from 4-7PM at T.S. Purta Funeral Home, 22 Glenmere Avenue, Florida, NY 10921. 

Funeral mass will be held 10AM Thursday, May 17th at St. Joseph Church, 20 Glenmere Avenue, Florida, NY 10921. Burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery in Florida, NY. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Make a Wish Hudson Valley, 832 South Broadway, The Wish House, Tarrytown, NY 10591, or to the Isiah Charles Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 547, Goshen, NY 10924.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the incredible nursing staff, therapists, and volunteers of Glenmere 1 at Valley View Center for creating a caring and compassionate environment during Helen’s many years there, with special thanks to Tina Catletti. May God bless you all.