Helen Otocka

Helen Otocka of Binghamton passed away peacefully on March 15 at the age of 95. She was predeceased by her loving Husband John F Otocka, parents Matthew Klimow and Elizabeth Vanek Klimow, brothers Nicholas, Henry, Alexander and Stephen Klimow, sister Rose and sister Anastasia Fontana.
She is survived by her children John A Otocka and his wife Charlene, Daughter Eve Ellen DiMenna and her husband Dr John DiMenna, Grandchildren John and Holly Otocka, Tammy Otocka Duecker, David and Erin DiMenna, Sarah and David Little. She is also survived by seven loving great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She cherished her family above all as we all cherished having her among us.
Helen was a teacher. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson School, Binghamton Central high school and Marywood College. She had a masters degree from Syracuse University. She was instrumental in developing a program to teach essential life skills to developmentally disabled students. She was a beloved mentor to many of her special students. In her later years she particularly enjoyed the chance to reconnect with friends and colleagues through the Broome Retired Teachers group.
She was very proud of her Slovak heritage. She enjoyed dancing to the polka tunes of “Vesela Musika” and was a life member of the Czechoslovak Moravian club and Sokols. She carried on many of the old country traditions teaching them to her family and friends.
The family is grateful for the support of so many friends, loved ones, and Lourdes hospital throughout her last months.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday 11 am at St. Vincent de Paul Blessed Sacrament Church, 465 Clubhouse Road, Vestal. Burial will be in Slovak Catholic Cemetery, Binghamton. The family will receive friends at church Friday from 10 am until Mass time at 11 am. In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy can be made through donations to Lourdes Hospital Foundation and through acts of kindness to your neighbors.