Helen (Szymczak) Jankowiak, of Medford, passed away on June 14 at the age of 97. A Chelsea native, she was the daughter of the late Adam and Catherine (Watchikooska) Szymczak.
Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband Stanley Jankowiak and dear siblings Stanley Szymczak, Mary (Szymczak) Kaszanek, Edward Szymczak, Josephine Szymczak, and Agnes (Szymczak) Karnafel. She is now reunited with her family and many friends.
Helen, a gifted seamstress, was a supervisor for many years in the garment district in Boston. She later worked at Malden Hospital creating first outfits for the newborn babies. She took great pride in the Polish Eagle Vests she designed and stitched for her friends at the Polish American Veterans Club in Chelsea.
Her childhood during the great depression and World War II formed Helen into a strong, independent woman. Her love of polka dances and music began when she was in high school. Helen met the love of her life, Stanley, at one of those dances. They shared 36 years of marriage until his passing in 1982.
Helen was an active member of the PAV Ladies Auxiliary where she enjoyed the polka dances, conventions, parades, and other events. She adored her many pet dogs who provided companionship over the years.
She is survived by several nieces and nephews. They will aways be grateful to her nephew Walter J. Karnafel, Jr. who was always there to assist her in her later years in life.
A private interment took place at Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden per her wishes.