Obituary for Esther L Chernicky
Esther Louise Chernicky (Helsel), 91, of Portage, PA went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, December 14, 2024, born February 15, 1933 in Portage. She was the eldest daughter of the late Waldo and Mabel (Bowser) Helsel and a 1951 graduate of Portage Area High School.
Esther was the loving wife of the late Edward Chernicky, whom she married on July 23, 1955. Throughout her marriage she supported her husband’s beef and deer processing business.
Esther started her own business making wedding cakes, which she transitioned into Long Lane Sweet Shop as a successful Christmas and Easter candy business.
When that business ran its course, Esther became certified as “Noodles” the clown, with the Johnstown Classic Clown Club. She brought laughter to patients in 5 area hospitals and participated in parades and special charitable events. She volunteered in the Caring Clown Prayer Team at Lee and Conemaugh Hospitals and Windber Hospice. She also served as an Advocate at the Agency on Aging.
As a long time member of the Portage Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, Esther had various past roles: Sunday School Teacher, Youth Leader, Bible Quiz Coach, and member of the Church Board. At the end of her life, she was looking forward to seeing her Lord and Savior face to face.
Her favorite activities were attending church services, family get togethers, cooking and baking, watching football, going to plays, taking trips to Amish country, and “clowning” around.
She is survived by her children: Marcie Lombardo of Portage; Cathy Wise (Michael) of St. Paul, MN; Bryce Chernicky (Patricia) of Lilly; and Charlene Minor (Barry) of Lilly.
She is also survived by 9 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and 1 great, great grandchild. Her surviving siblings include Kaye Smindak (Rich) of Portage; Larry Helsel (Chris) of Illinois, and sister-in-law, Joan Helsel of Brownsville, PA. She is preceded in death by brother and sister-in-law, Ron and Colleen Helsel of Northridge, CA; sister, Joann Helsel and brother, Jay Helsel of Brownsville, PA.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Portage, PA, on December 23, 2024, at 10:30 A.M.
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Previous Events
Service
Monday
23
Dec
10:30 AM
- 11:15 AM
Portage Christian Missionary Alliance
911 Johnson Avenue
Portage, PA 15946
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