Bertha P. Hellendrung

Bertha P. Hellendrung, 100, of Cheshire, beloved wife of the late Carl F. Hellendrung, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2024. Bertha was born on January 26, 1923, in Pittston, PA.

Bertha moved from PA to CT in 1943 and began a job at SNET. In 1954, she and Carl designed and supervised the construction of their forever home. Despite Carl’s untimely passing in 1984, it remained Bertha’s home for 69 years.  Bertha enjoyed sewing and baking. These activities brought her great joy. She took tremendous pride in preparing a perfect dinner every night, always accompanied by a fresh dessert. She loved to read, and took every opportunity to learn something new, frequently starting with a story in the World Book Encyclopedia.

Bertha worked as a bookkeeper for the Bowman family for more than 40 years and did not retire until she was 85.  She received the “Archdiocesan Medal of Appreciation” from the Archdiocese of Hartford in 2010 and was a volunteer and participant for the Church of the Epiphany’s Holiday Home Tours.

Bertha is survived by daughter Carol Picozzi and her husband Robert, daughter Karen Hellendrung, grandson Michael Picozzi, godson/nephew Stanley Pechalonis and his wife Donna, 17 nieces and nephews, countless great nieces and nephews, and several other dear people who called her “Aunt Bert.” She was predeceased by parents Joseph and Gertrude Pechalonis and siblings Anna, Charles, Stanley, John, Peter, Mary, and Edward.

Family and friends may pay their respects on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Alderson-Ford Funeral Home, 615 South Main St., Cheshire.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 10 a.m. at St. Bridget of Sweden Parish/St. Bridget Church, 175 Main St., Cheshire. Please assemble at the church. Burial will follow at Cheshire Hillside Cemetery, 166 Wallingford Rd., Cheshire. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bertha’s name to Saint Bridget of Sweden or the Cheshire Community Food Pantry.