St.Robert Bellarmine Parishioner Dies at 86

Helen M. Bayak, 86, of Freehold Township died on Thursday, Feb. 7 at the Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune.

She was born in Allentown, PA and was a lifelong resident until moving to Freehold Township in 2007. Bayak was a resident of Surrey Downs, Freehold. Before her retirement, she was a sales associate for Zollinger’s, Hess’s and retiring from Bon-Ton department stores.

Bayak was a parishioner of The Cathedral of St. Catherine of Siena in Allentown as well as St.Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church. She was a member of the Cathedral Golden Agers, the Serra Club of Allentown and a lifelong member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Post 29, Allentown. Bayak enjoyed the Howell Township Seniors and the Surrey Downs Club.

Bayak was predeceased by her husband, John A. Bayak in 2007, and also a brother, George Chervanik. She is survived by her daughter, Madeline “Maggie” Smith and her husband, Andrew “Andy” of Freehold Township; and a granddaughter, Samantha of Barnegat. 

Visiting will be at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home on Sunday, Feb. 10 from 2 to 6 p.m. There will also be a visitation at the Robert C. Weir Funeral Home, 1802 W. Turner Street, Allentown, PA on Monday, Feb. 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her 9:30 a.m. funeral mass on Tuesday, Feb. 12 at The Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, 1825 W. Turner Street, Allentown, PA.

Interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Allentown, PA. For those who desire, memorial contributions in Helen’s memory may be made to the St. Robert Bellarmine Church Father Benedict Fund, or The Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena.

For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.