Online Obituaries

Helen M. Lusczynski, 98, of Chicopee, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 24, 2025 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield.  She was born on April 12, 1926 in Ware, MA and was the daughter of the late Stanley and Mary (Cwick) Slaby.  Helen was a communicant of the former Holy Name Church.  She was a housekeeper at the College of Our Lady of the Elms.  Helen was a quintessential 1950’s mom and homemaker. True to her Polish heritage, she was famous for her stuffed cabbages – gołąbkis.  A normal-sized gołabki feeds one person, but a Helen-sized gołabki fed her entire family. She had a heartfelt desire for efficiency.  Less time spent cooking meant more time with her family.  Helen cherished her family and was eager to care and nurture them.  Helen put family first. She cared for her sick mother-in-law, taught her children and grandchildren to swim, bike and play hopscotch.  Helen loved dancing.  The moment polka music played; she couldn’t resist. If you were in the room, you’d be fair game to be pulled onto the dance floor.  Here are Helen’s secrets for a long and healthy independent life: staying active, faith and staying away from alcohol and tobacco.  Helen walked miles every day to visit friends and do errands.   She was also a devout Catholic and would recite her prayers every night.  Instead of drinking or smoking, her true vices were sugary treats and playing poker.  Helen is predeceased by her husband, Leon L. Lusczynski and her nine brothers and sisters. She is survived by her daughter, Debra Lusczynski-Tarka (Stanley) of Englewood, FL; a son, Martin Lusczynski of Springfield; four grandchildren, Lisa Weinstein (Erich), Gregory Lusczynski, Jeffrey Lusczynski and Matthew Tarka (Dakota).  A wake for Helen will be held on Monday, March 31^st from 10 to 11 am at the Cierpial Memorial Funeral Homes on 61 Grape St.in Chicopee.  A service will be held at the funeral home at 11 AM.  Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Chicopee.