By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
Helen Sokol turned 103 this year, and as with each passing milestone, she was
surrounded by friends, family, and fellow community members at the Frank
Kowalinski Post No. 4 in Maspeth, where she was honored once again for her life of
resilience, service, and warmth.
Born in 1922 in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, Sokol has lived through a century of
change and history — much of it from her longtime home in Queens, where she
settled nearly 80 years ago. The daughter of Slovak immigrants, she arrived in New
York in the 1940s, first staying in Middle Village before moving to Elmhurst with her
late husband, Emil. The couple raised three sons and now have two grandchildren.
At this year’s celebration, representatives from Councilman Robert Holden’s and
Senator Joseph Addabbo’s offices presented Sokol with certificates recognizing her
contributions to the community and congratulating her on her remarkable
longevity.
Councilman Holden’s office praised her enduring commitment to civic engagement,
with staffer Phil Wong presenting her a Certificate of Recognition. “I am presenting
this to Helen from the Councilman Robert Holden’s office,” Wong said. “This
Certificate of Recognition presented to Helen Soko on her service to our
neighborhood and for her one hundred and third birthday celebration.”
A representative from Senator Addabbo’s office echoed those sentiments. “Senator
Joseph Addabbo recognizes and congratulates Helen’s uncle on the occasion of 100
and third birthday,” he said.
Sokol, who is known for her sharp wit and love of swing music, spoke candidly
about aging and the struggles she’s encountered recently, particularly with
healthcare.
“Turning 103… it’s a big change,” she said, reflecting on the shift she noticed in her
health after turning 102. She shared a frustrating experience with physical therapy
for vertigo, describing poor communication and inadequate treatment. “At least I
learned a little bit,” she said. “I’m trying to do things by myself now.”
Despite recent challenges, Sokol remains deeply engaged in her community. For decades, she’s been a member of the women’s civic organization that meets at the
Post, dating back to its original location on Seabury Street. The group, now
supported by the AARP, continues to serve local churches and address community
needs through regular meetings and outreach.
“I think the women who attend here genuinely enjoy it because they feel they can
speak their minds and see it lead to positive change,” Sokol said. “It’s a friendly
place.”
This year’s event was not just a birthday celebration, but a reaffirmation of Sokol’s
legacy — one rooted in family, service, and a sense of humor that remains intact.
