Helen B. Pelko, age 87, of Upper Otsego St., Ilion, died at 12:55 pm. on Saturday, February 26, 2005, at home after a brief illness. She was born on April 20, 1917 in Culver, PA, the daughter of Peter and Mary (Behun) Bawolak and attended Fern Cliff School. On November 23, 1935, she was married to Edward Pelko in Herkimer. He died on March 3, 1989. Helen was employed at Sperry Rand UNIVAC for 23 years retiring in 1971. She was a member of St. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church, E. Herkimer. Helen really loved to cook and enjoyed trying new recipes. Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Jean and Ronald Wheeler of East Syracuse; her son, David Pelko of Geneva, NY; two grandchildren, Mark Wheeler of Miami, FL, and Jill Wheeler of Fayetteville, NY; her great-grandson, Nicholas Wheeler of Roselle, NJ; three sisters, Olga Kafer of Sebastian, FL, Susan Moore of Ilion, and Kathryn Melnick of Ilion; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Anna Casler; and her brother, Steven Bawolak. Funeral services will be held 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 1, 2005, at the Applegate & Day Funeral Home, 102 West St., Ilion, with Rev. James M. Jadick, Pastor of St. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church officiating. Spring interment will be held at Armory Hill Cemetery, Illion, next to her husband, Edward. Calling hours are Tuesday, March 1, 2005, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church or Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. of New Hartford. Helen's wishes were prearranged under the guidance of funeral director Don Applegate at Applegate & Day Funeral Home of Ilion. Anyone needing a ride to calling hours or services may contact the funeral home at 895-7722 for free transportation assistance. For directions to the funeral home, click the facilities link above.