Helen J. Nivins

It is with everlasting love that we mark the peaceful passing of our cherished mother, grandmother, great -grandmother, and special aunt, Helen J. Nivins, on January 10, 2020.

Helen was born in Akron, Ohio, on November 1, 1921, to John and Maryanna (Mikolajczyk) Krykowski, emigrants from Poland. She joined two brothers, Henry and Chester, both of whom preceded her in death. Helen attended St. Hedwig's Catholic School and was proud to speak, read, and write Polish. She graduated from North High School in 1940 and continued her education at Hammel Actual Business College in Akron. She married her soulmate Henry Nivins on April 3, 1948. They enjoyed 49 years of marriage and danced many a Polka in each others' arms.

Helen is survived by two daughters, Janice (Jerry) Large, and Julie (Ray) Kelly; three grandchildren, Elizabeth (Zackary) Liesenfeld, Michael (Tabitha) Kelly, and Erin (Kurtis) Tesch; and her great-grandaughter, Ella Tesch. She is also survived by special nephew, Stephen (Lynne) Krzykoski. We will cherish her loving spirit always.

Helen was the consummate homemaker and caretaker. She was never without cookies in her freezer to share with family and friends or time to babysit her grandchildren or to help a friend.  When she and Henry moved to Granger, Ohio, in 1967 they devoted much time and energy to Granger Volunteer Fire Department where Helen helped form the ladies' auxiliary. They made many dear friends serving their community there and also as 4-H advisors for the area horse club. In her 60s she went to work at Macy's where, once again, she made many friends and served customers who asked for her by name. She earned employee awards too numerous to list during her 20 plus years of service.

Our family bid our final farewell at a private family service at Granger Fairview Cemetery where Helen was laid to eternal rest next to her beloved Hank. May they rest in eternal peace together.  “Ja Cie kocham.”

Remember her with a shared plate of cookies, planting flowers in your garden or a donation to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital of which she was a long-time supporter. 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105.

Services in the care of ~ The Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, 85 N. Miller Road  Akron, OH ~