Helen Isabel KAMINSKI

1 MAR 1918 - 12 NOV 2009

• BIRTH: 1 MAR 1918, South Bend, St Joseph, IN
• DEATH: 12 NOV 2009, South Bend, St Joseph, IN

INDEX

[N23876] Helen Isabel Kaminski Nowak

Birth 1 Mar 1918
South Bend, St. Joseph County, IN

Death 12 Nov 2009 (aged 91)
New Carlisle, St. Joseph County, IN

Burial
Saint Joseph Cemetery
South Bend, St. Joseph County, IN
Plot PC 10
Memorial ID 186187897

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Daughter of Walter Kaminski and Clara (Koszewski) Kaminski.

South Bend Tribune November 15, 2009 page B8

Helen Nowak
March 1, 1918 -Nov. 12, 2009

South Bend- Her life could have been the material for a modern day novel. Her mother died on her 13th birthday, it was The Depression as she was struggling to raise her three younger sisters, only to conquer each challenge in life and persevere. There was such a presence about Helen that as soon as you met her you knew this was someone you wanted to emulate. Her friends say she has such a carriage and elegance that was both fresh and classic.Helen Nowak, the eldest child of Walter and Clara (Koszewski), was born in South Bend, IN, on March 1, 1918, and baptized at St. Hedwig Catholic Church. While attending South Bend Central High School she met and eventually married her high school sweetheart, Edward F. Nowak, on January 27, 1940, at St. Casimir's. As a member first of St. Stanislaus parish and then St. John the Baptist, she was active in many school and church organizations. In addition, her creative and organizational skills benefitted the charitable activities of the Christ Child Society, The Daughters of Isabella and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus, Council 553. She also contributed many years to the Saint Joseph Hospital Auxiliary gift shop. Her family remembers her awesome seeing, cooking and home-making skills. Known affectionally as "Busia" for the last 29 years, Helen's greatest achievements was nurturing and loving her three children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She wanted to be remembered as a seamstress, but her talents went far beyond that. She could read a cookbook like a novel, see a dress on the rack and recreated it. Sandra McAfee remembers "Helen's expertise and willingness to teach was most influential in nurturing my interest in sewing. She designed and constructed my bridal veil, which remains a treasure to this day." For many Christmases children delighted in her handmade Red Riding Hood dolls. Helen was a most gracious host. Ever a string and practical woman, Helen touched many through her random acts of kindness and compassion. She always made you feel welcome and comfortable whether you were a janitor or the president of the company. An avid walker and heart healthy enthusiast, she could be found doing her laps at Notre Dame or the grounds of Hamilton Pointe, Her ability to convert a receipt to sugar/fat free and still produce mouth-watering dishes wad desserts was legendary. Helen Isabel Nowak, 91, of South Bend, IN, died at Hamilton Communities in New Castle, IN, on November 12, 2009.
She was preceded in death by her husband in 2007, by her son, Paul Edward, in 2001, and by her sister, Stella Taberski, in 1965. Surviving are two daughters, Dr. Kathleen Bondy of Conway, AR, and Anita Nowak of Chicago, IL. Two sisters who survive her are Genevieve Cytacki and Carrie Ganus. She has six grandchildren, Paul E. Jr. and Christopher of Grand Rapids, MI., Nicholas of Lumberton, NJ, Marienicole, attending Franciscan University, and Monica and Timothy, who reside in Mt. Laurel, NJ, with their mother, Linda. There are also five great-grandchildren.
A Rosary will be said at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on Saturday, November 21, 2009, at 10:45 a.m., followed by a mass of Christian Burial. Kaniewski Funeral Homes, South Bend is handling the arrangements. Memorials may be made to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 3526 St. Johns Way, South Bend, IN 46628; to The Center for Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637; or to a charity of the donor's choice. To send on,one condolences, please visit www.kaniewski.com South Bend Tribune November 15, 2009 page B8