PORTSMOUTH- Helen Nellie Cichorz Hayden, 92, a lifelong resident of this area, passed away at Mayfair Manor in Portsmouth on August 4, 2018.  Helen was born and raised in Bowers Hill, Chesapeake, in 1926 to John and Helen (Augustine) Cichorz. She was one of 16 children, and one of two sets of twins.

Helen retired from her career in the purchasing department at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in 1982, after 33 years. Several years after her official retirement, she took a holiday position with Kmart and stayed with them for 10 years.  Helen was active in the square dancing community, designing and making beautiful and elaborate dresses. Her favorite activities included Bingo, day trips to Dover, Delaware to "play the slots", and cheering for her favorite football team, the Washington Redskins.

Helen was a strong, independent and outspoken woman who took pride in everything she did. In her words, she was "a heartbeat for many and a headache for some."  She fought a good fight, but got into a fight at the end that she couldn't win. She will be greatly missed.

Dear Lord, let perpetual light shine upon her, and may she rest in peace. Amen.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; 14 brothers and sisters; and her beloved daughter, Sandra Hayden Kahler. She is survived by her son Vernon "Buddy" Hayden; a brother, Stash Cichorz (SC); grandchildren Kelsey Hayden (Seattle, WA), Trey Hayden (Alexandria, VA), and Bruce Kahler (Orlando, FL); and her friend and caregiver Joanne Daniels.

The family will receive friends 5:00 to 7:00p.m., Thursday, August 9 at Foster Funeral Home, 1926 High Street, Portsmouth. Interment at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens will be private. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.