Helena A. Choko, 85, passed away at home on July 6, 2023. Helena was raised on a farm in
Vineland and then moved to Millville when she married. She retired from General Machinery
(Wheatons) after 23 years as an Inventory Specialist. Prior to General Machinery, she worked
several years at Chiola's Pharmacy in Millville. Helena brought a high level of efficiency,
reliability and no-nonsense approach to the workforce.
As a young, dedicated mother and wife, she found the time to serve as District Supervisor of the
Junior Women's Club, work with the Jaycee Youth Group, advocate for the Menantico
Conservation League and was a member of Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River. For
several years in her later life, she served as treasurer of a local antique club.
As a mother, she was dutiful and sincere to her two sons, Mark and John Choko. Most may
remember her boys putting her through her paces with many parties in their earlier years, but
they also kept her close to them. Those parties brought Helena many "adopted" sons. As one
of her favorite adopted sons reminisces, "she lovingly put up with a bunch of knuckleheads and
was motherly to many."
Helena enjoyed taking a week off work to cook for the Edgewood Gun Club which consisted of
all of her sons. She loved the beach in Stone Harbor and in her younger years spent much time
transporting many of the boys to the beach, which created a life long camaraderie among all of
them and a mutual respect for her. She thoroughly enjoyed the annual Halloween parties held
in the cabin that also meant celebrating her birthday. Outside the boys, she was an avid
scrabble player with her neighbor, Maddie and friend, Mary. Grandkids remember her teaching
them poker at an embarrassingly young age and the fact that she had a bit of a lead foot behind
the wheel.
Helena touched the lives of many and will be sorely missed by her family and friends who she
loved dearly.
Helena is survived by her sons: Mark Choko and John Choko (Jackie); grandchildren: Andi and
Jack Choko. She is predeceased by her mother and father.
Family sharing time will be private.