Online Obituaries

Helen Phyllis (Pudlo) Zajchowski, 95, of Chicopee passed away on Monday, September 3, 2018 at Baystate Medical Center after a brief illness. Helen was born on May 23, 1923 in Holyoke, MA at the Fountain Street home of her late parents, Peter and Olympia (Strzempek) Pudlo.

She was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Stanley F. Zajchowski, who she married on May 5, 1951. Stanley died in October 2012.

Helen was predeceased by her siblings Frank, Edmund “Kuba”, Stasia (Skoczylas), Adele (Chmura), all of Holyoke as well as her brothers Theodore of South Hadley and Albin of Chicopee.

She leaves three children Eileen Walczak and her husband Raymond of Lee, MA, Barbara Jean Nekula and her husband Kevin of Odenton, MD, Richard and his wife Catherine of Roscoe, IL. Babci also leaves six grandchildren, Erica and her husband Dr. James Weeks of Nashville, TN, Laura Walczak of Seattle, WA, Kristopher and Ashley Nekula of Odenton, MD, Aleksander and Marya Zajchowski of Roscoe, IL and many nieces and nephews.

She leaves her 3 sisters Phyllis Flynn of South Hadley, Evelyn Krisak and Barbara Stelmach of Holyoke and a sister-in-law Mabel Chrusciel of Wilbraham.

Helen attended Mater Dolorosa School and Holyoke High School.

Helen was an accomplished seamstress. In the 1940’s and 50’s she worked at IL Strick in Holyoke. After raising her family she worked for Emilie’s Bridal Shop in Chicopee.

Helen was devoted to family. She thoroughly enjoyed hosting and preparing for picnics, parties and the traditional Polish holidays of Christmas (Wigilia) and Easter.

Helen enjoyed Polka music and attending Polish picnics, Parish Bazaars and casino trips.

Helen was a communicant of the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr in Chicopee. Helen was a member of the former Polish Women’s Alliance of America (Group 141) and a former member of the St. Stanislaus Rosary Society.

The family would like to thank Homewatch Caregivers of Western Mass in particular, Rhonda, Jane and Laverne for their efforts and dedication over the past years.

Helen’s funeral will be held on Saturday, September 8, 2018 from the Cierpial Memorial Funeral Home on 69 East St. in Chicopee Falls at 9 am, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial in the Basilica of St. Stanislaus at 10 am. Burial will be in St. Stanislaus Cemetery. Calling hours are on Friday, from 3 to 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Ministry of Care at St. Stanislaus Parish, 40 Cyman Drive, Chicopee, MA 01013.