In the early morning hours of August 13, 2012 our most precious mother, grandmother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, Helen Fomenko Etheridge, 90, passed peacefully from this life to that of her God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Helen was born in Bridgeport, CT on Dec. 31, 1921. Her family later moved to Stratford, CT, where she graduated from Stratford High School in 1939. She came to vacation in Virginia Beach several times and finally decided she liked it so much she moved here permanently. She and a friend opened a diner called the Rainbow Tavern at the corner of 17th Street and Pacific Avenue, where it was successful for many years. She gave the restaurant up to marry Richard Etheridge, who she had met when he became a regular customer at the Tavern. She is predeceased by her parents, Peter and Alexandra Fomenko, her beloved husband, Wilson Edward “Richard” Etheridge, and siblings, Jacob Fomenko, Ann Garlinski, Mary Brister, and John Fomenko.
She has left behind her only child, Karen Krista Etheridge Gronski, treasured son-in-law, Mark Gronski, and the light of her life, her only grandchild, Alexandra Helen Gronski. We all love and treasure her more than words can ever express. She also leaves her wonderful sisters, Vera Fomenko Peebles, Katherine Fomenko Pcolka, and Mary Hriceniak Fomenko, in addition to her many loved nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. Also surviving her is her dearest friend and angel on earth, Angela Jones. In addition to many other friends, she will be dearly missed by Dr. Barbara Sikes, Myra Cairns, Ray and Kim Gronski, and Laura and David Hudson. Helen was the most kind and loving person to all, but she will most want to be remembered as her adored Ally’s most loving Nina.
The family will receive friends on Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m. at Family Choice Funerals & Cremations, 5401 Indian River Road, Virginia Beach. A funeral mass will be offered on Friday at 10 a.m. at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, 1968 Sandbridge Road, Virginia Beach. Interment will follow at Princess Anne Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to A.R.E. Foundation of Virginia Beach (www.edgarcayce.org). Condolences may be made via the online guestbook.
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Dear Karen, Mark, and Alley
I’m so sorry for your loss. I know how much you loved your Mother and Grandmother, and she loved you. Today she is with our Heavenly Father, watching from above. When you think of her remember how much she loved life, and lived life. And also remember love never dies, but transcends to a new level. May the peace of Lord keep, and uphold you. God Bless, Ray, Betsy, and Haley
Helen has been a dear friend of mine since the 1970s. She and I and several others used to have prayer meetings together. We grew apart but kept in contact when I moved to NC to take a job.
My love and sincerest sympathy to Karen, Mark, and Ally. Ally: My granddaughter was born on Oct. 5th same year as you –
your Nana and I used to compare notes when we visited. Love, Judy Clarke
God has another angel!
We’re here for you if you need anything.
“Our hearts give immortality to those we love in memory.”
Dear Karen, Mark and Allie,
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn the loss of your Mother and “Nina”. Please let me know if I can do anything for you at this time.