Life Story: Helen S. Verhage, 88; Housing Authority Commissioner

Helen S. Verhage died peacefully in her home on June 11. She was 88.

Born in New York City on Dec. 14, 1928, she devoted her life to her family, her work and her community, including 20 years working for N.J. Bell and over 40 years of service with the N.J. Department of Labor. As former president of the AFL-CIO and through her involvement with the Franklin Township Housing Authority, Helen was committed to advocating for affordable housing and for the aspirations of all working people.

She was predeceased by her parents, Vasko Sikoryak and Eva Petrik; and her six brothers and one sister: John Sikoryak, Anne Cohen, Michael Sikoryak, Nicholas Sikoryak, Andrew Sikoryak, Charles Sikoryak, and George Sikoryak. Helen was the youngest of her siblings. She is predeceased by her son, Douglas Pozniak.

Surviving are her daughter and son-in-law, Karen Pozniak-Robins and Mark Robins of Fayetteville, N.C.; her son and daughter-in-law, John M. Verhage Jr. and Tracy Verhage of Langhorne, Pa.; and her daughter in-law, Jil Pozniak, of North Brunswick.

Surviving grandchildren are Maria Brunson, Douglas James Pozniak, Kaitlyn Sirois, Brittany Verhage, and John Verhage III.
Surviving great grandchildren are Brayden Verhage, Kyleigh Sirois, Ryan Brunson, and Shannon Brunson.

Helen was a communicant of St. Peter and Paul Byzantine Church in Somerset.

Family and friends may visit from 7-9 p.m. June 15 at the Gleason Funeral Home, 1360 Hamilton St.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. June 16 at St. Peter and Paul Byzantine Church in Somerset. Entombment will follow at St. Peter Mausoleum in New Brunswick.

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