Helena Altuchow (Hlebowitsh) passed away peacefully on Sept. 11, 2018. Born in Zaporizhia, Ukraine, she and her husband emigrated to the United States in 1956 and settled in South River, NJ. After becoming a widow, she married John Altuchow and moved to Spotswood where she lived for the remainder of her life.

Although the war interrupted her formal education in the seventh grade, Helena became fluent in five languages. Neighbors in South River would come to ask her help with legal and financial paperwork in different languages.

She was a voracious reader and loved the classic Russian writers, Chekov being her favorite. She was interested in all subjects whether it was philosophy, science, or history. In later years, she would watch Korean soap operas to learn a little about their culture and language.

She worked hard, putting all three of her children through college. In her spare time, Helena became expert at sewing, needlepoint, embroidery, and lace tatting. She shared her handiwork with her family and many friends and acquaintances. She was also responsible for adding several inches to the waistlines of family and friends with her wonderful cookies and other delicacies.

Helena, known as “Baba” (Russian for grandmother) to many, was a genuinely kind, thoughtful, generous person who always thought of others. She felt that helping others made you a better person. She lived for her family, never missing a birthday or special occasion.

Helena was predeceased by her father and mother, Abraham and Lena Dück, and her husbands Serge Hlebowitsh and John Altuchow. She was also predeceased by her beloved son, Paul Hlebowitsh. She is survived by her brother Vanya Dück, her daughter Tania Brittingham, son Dr. Peter Hlebowitsh, son-in-law Peter Brittingham, daughter-in-law Erica Hlebowitsh, grandchildren Katie, Meghan, Margaret, Paul, Nadia, and Nikolai, and two great-grandchildren. She is also survived by adopted granddaughter Tania Muzyka, who was always there for Baba.

It was her wish that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to St. Jude’s Hospital for Children, her favorite charity.