Obituary of Helen (Cushner) Martyak Helen (Cushner) Martyak passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 29, 2018 after a brief illness at the age of 91. Born in Binghamton, NY on April 3, 1927 to Susan Potusky Cushner and Michael Cushner, she was the oldest and last surviving of their seven children. She was the beloved wife of John E. Martyak Sr. “Jack” for 33 years, who predeceased her in 1985.
She was also predeceased by her brothers Tom, Ted, Francis, George, and Michael Cushner, and her younger sister, Marion Urda for whom she held a special affection. Helen raised her family with great love and faith. She was a dedicated mother who was actively involved with her children’s lives and helped them pursue and achieve their goals.
She shared many wonderful times with them and was most proud when everyone gathered at her home for holidays. She enjoyed cooking for any occasion and there was always extra room in her home and a seat at her table for family and friends. She was also a great of advice and thoroughly enjoyed sitting in her kitchen and talking with friends and relatives about current events, as well as the “old days”.
As a young woman, she lived in Binghamton and worked for the Endicott Johnson Shoe Company to help support her family. She was determined that her daughters and sons would have a college education. Thanks, Mom!
Helen was a devoted member of Holy Spirit Byzantine Catholic (Eastern Rite) Church. She and her husband Jack were the first couple married in the new church in 1952. They both sang in the choir, and as they raised their five children in their faith, they volunteered their time and talents for the church.
Helen and Jack started their family in Binghamton. During the late 1960’s the family moved to Beacon, New York since they were part of the “I’ve been moved” generation of IBM workers. Helen worked for IBM in East Fishkill, New York where she became a distinguished manager.
After retirement, Helen, along with three close friends, traveled extensively . She often shared fond memories of her adventures abroad in places such as Africa, Jordan, Israel, and Hawaii. She moved back to Binghamton in 1992.
Over theses years she spent a great deal of time with her sister Marion Urda, and remained close to her bothers Ted, Francis, Michael and George Cushner. Helen’s home was often filled with the noise and laughter of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and, of course, their assorted pets! She loved playing games with her family, especially Trivial Pursuit, Bingo, and card games.
Helen is loved by her five children, John Martyak Jr. who passed away in 2010; daughters Dianne and her husband ,William Metzar; Mary and her husband, John Cipar; sons Nicholas Martyak and his wife Judy, and Daniel Martyak and his wife Maureen. Also surviving to cherish her memory are her grandchildren Andrew Metzar and his wife Lindsay, Nicholas Metzar and his wife Leslie, James Cipar and his wife Melanie, Daniel Cipar, Elizabeth Cipar, Maria Elena Martyak, Nicholas Edward Martyak , Daniel Martyak Jr., Casey Martyak, and Michael Martyak. Helen gave her love to three great-grandchildren, Oscar, Hazel, and Arthur Cipar.
She will be sending her love from heaven to any soon and yet to-be-born great-grandchildren. She also leaves an extended family of many nieces and nephews. Helen will be remembered for her devotion to family and friends.
A loving and always gracious woman, Helen leaves her legacy of kindness to all those who knew her. “Well done, my good and faithful servant”. Rest in peace, Mom.
Descansa en paz, Abuela. Eternal Memory! Vicnaja Jemu Pamjat!
Funeral Services will be held at Holy Spirit Byzantine Catholic Church, 360 Clinton Street, Binghamton, Friday at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Holy Spirit Cemetery, Kattelville. The family will receive friends at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton, Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. Father Peter Tomas will conduct a prayer service, Parastas, at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations in memory of Helen to Holy Spirit Church, or The Broome County Humane Society, 167 Conklin Avenue, Binghamton, NY 13903.
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