Helen Florence Mellia, 93, died on Sunday, January 5, 2014 at Wingate at Dutchess.
Born in New York City on May 15, 1920, she was the daughter of Edward and Rose Mrzak Franko. A full-time resident of Duchess County since 1966, Helen and her family had been spending summers in the area for years. They lived in both Hopewell Junction and Beacon after relocating from the Bronx. Helen enjoyed crossword puzzles and gardening but more than anything, she loved cooking.
On November 1, 1941 at Our Lady Queen of Angels Church in Manhattan, Helen married Dominick J. Mellia who predeceased her on August 28, 2004. She was also predeceased by her son, Michael Mellia in 2012; and her siblings, Edward, Al and Joe Franko and Mary Angelico.
Helen will forever be remembered as a loving and wonderful mother and grandmother. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Barbara A. and Karl Wettels of Hopewell Junction, Dominick A. and Claire Mellia of Hyde Park; her daughter-in-law, Joanne Mellia of the Bronx; her brother, Frederick Franko of Nanuet; her sister-in-law, Nancy Quinta of New York City; her grandchildren, Jeanmarie Mellia and her fiancé Froy Garcia, Linda Mellia and her husband Jay Hiesel, Diane Mellia, Michael Mellia and his wife Laura, Christopher Mellia and his fiancé Natalie, Carl Wettels and his wife Debbie, Melinda Dixon and her husband Mike, Elaine Wettels and Rob Sirico; her great-grandson, Dominick P. Hiesel; four step great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 9:45am at St. Columba Church, 835 Route 82, Hopewell Junction.
For driving directions and online condolences, please visit Helen's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.