Obituary of Helen Tirnadi

Helen Tirnadi, age 96, of Stratford, CT, passed away peacefully in her home on August 15, 2021 with family.

Helen was born to parents, Julianna and Theodore Pusta in Monaville, West Virginia. When she was of school age, they moved a short distance to Holden 22 miners camp in Holden, West Virginia. While Helen was in high school, her younger sister Clara was born. There, Hungarian and Americanized cultures illuminated from the home.

Favorite pastimes were drawing artistic sketches and swimming, both of which she became very skilled at. The first job she worked at was the Island Creek Coal Company Store.

After high school, an opportunity was offered to her to move up to Fairfield, CT where she stayed with her Aunt Ricza and Uncle Miklos and worked at Dictaphone. Through her church, The United Church of Christ in Bridgeport, she met her future husband, William Tirnadi, in the church choir. At the church picnic at Lake Forest, Helen was rescued from the water from a swim suit malfunction by her hero who became her future husband. They soon married and resided in Stratford, CT, raising their 4 daughters, Ilona, Julie, Diane, and Cindy and their loving pets.

She helped in the Second Hill Lane school system in the Library, baking for various events and a Girl Scout leader. Helen and Bill were vital members in their church helping in most fundraising events. She enjoyed stitching, ethnic embroidery, and noodle making groups.

Helen's compassion for nature kept her interlocked with the Audubon in Fairfield, CT with her exuberance in bird watching; exploring the state and US, documenting 408 bird species.

Helen was predeceased by her husband Bill of 69 years.

She is survived by her sister, Clara (Cleno: deceased) Jefferson and brother-in-law, Albert (Pearl: deceased) Tirnadi. Daughters, Ilona (James) Sherratt, Julie (Mike: deceased), Schultz, Diane (Raymond) Schietinger, and Cindy Vlacich; grandchildren, Peter (Niki) Sherratt, Julia Sherratt, Michael (Marissa) Schietinger, Harley Schietinger, Amy Vlacich, and Jesse Vlacich; great grandchildren, Luke, Drew, Amelia, and Eleanor Schietinger; and many nieces and nephews.

Helen will be missed by family and remembered for her immediate help when called upon and unconditional love and family dinners prepared with love. May God envelop and bless you. Fly away pretty little bird and pretty you'll always stay.

A graveside service will be held on September 18, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at Mountain Grove Cemetery, Bridgeport.

Donations in Helen's memory may be made to the CT Audubon Society, 314 Unquowa Road, Fairfield, CT 06824.

For travel directions or to sign her online guest register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com