WORCESTER____Helen F. (Orczyk) Zimkiewicz, 100, passed away peacefully at home January 20, 2022. Helen was born on April 3, 1921 to Joseph and Frances (Wisniewski) Orczyk and she has lived in Worcester all her life.
Helen leaves her daughter, Charlene F. Zimkiewicz and son-in-law Samuel E. Lipson. She also leaves Granddaughters: Amanda Zimkiewicz Frand (FLA), Katrina Zimkiewicz (Sturbridge, MA), Lauren Zimkiewicz (FLA) and Elizabeth Zimkiewicz Goerring (Tyler) (FLA), she also leaves Great-Grandchildren: Jacob, Emma, Isabella, Nathalie, Renee, and the new expected baby in April. She will also be missed by Sandra Garrepy long-time companion to her son. Helen also leaves nephews, Stanley Jr, Paul, and Scott Orczyk, niece Gayle Orczyk and many great nieces and great nephews.
Helen was predeceased by her husband, Charles J. Zimkiewicz (1975) and son Anthony J. Zimkiewicz (2017).
Helen was the youngest of her siblings and was predeceased by brothers, Stanley, Henry, Walter and Chester Orczyk and her sister Sophie Orczyk Karpawich. They all liked to say “Let’s go to Helch’s!” and many family gatherings were hosted in her home.
Helen graduated from South High School, Class of 1939. She worked at Lundquist Tool during WW II and then later at Denholm’s where she thoroughly enjoyed her post in Stationery. Helen was a loving wife, and a dedicated Mother staying home with her children. Daily she baked a different dessert for Charles’ sweet tooth as well as cooking a tasty supper, helped the children with homework and friends’ visits for lunch. She sewed dresses, coats, curtains, learned to drive at age 57, went to Craft Class at the Girls Club and pushed her lawnmower well past 80.
Helen was a devout Catholic and most active member of Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish serving as President of the Women’s Guild at least twice. She volunteered at Saint Mary School in the Library and in “Miss Charlene’s” Kindergarten. She then followed her daughter from class to class throughout the City – everyone loved “Babci”! Helen enjoyed membership in the Worcester Art Museum, Mechanics Hall and Tower Hill Botanic Garden. She was also an Associate of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. Helen survived two broken hips well into her 90’s and was able to remain home thanks to her wonderful daily companion, Faith Benoit. Faith would find the YouTube songs to get Helen singing. We are very grateful for all of Faith’s love and support for Mother. Also, thanks to her physicans, Drs. Shubhada Javlekar, Samir Malkani and Frances Lagana. Special appreciation to ALL her caregivers from JHC Hospice and Worcester Home Care these past three weeks.
Helen was a true gift to all she met sharing only kind thoughts, words and actions. A true caregiver all her life she epitomized these words of Ven. Frederic Baraga: “Nothing is difficult, nothing tedious to a loving heart”.
Helen’s funeral will be held on Friday, January 28, 2022 from HENRY –DIRSA FUNERAL HOME, 33 Ward Street, with a Mass at 10:30 A.M. in Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, 34 Ward Sreet. The funeral Mass will be livestreamed at www.olcworcester.com. Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery. Calling hours in the funeral home are Thursday January 27, 2022 from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. Per Worcester requirements face masking is necessary to attend services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Czestochowa Renovation Fund, 34 Ward St, Worcester, Ma, 01610 or to Abby’s House, 52 High St, Worcester, 01609.
The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed, to view:
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