Obituary of Helen Jane Jurkowski

Helen Jane Jurkowski Helen at 95 years, went peacefully to be with the Lord on December 6, 2017. Helen was born in Ambridge, PA to Charles and Anna Rudinsky on March 26, 1922. Preceded in death by her father and mother, husband Casimir ("Rusty") of 52 years (1947 - 1999), brother Anthony Rodden and sister Louise Wuycik. Helen was Mom to her loving children, Raymond (Elizabeth), Christine Griebel (Richard-deceased), and Robert (Liza); Baba to five grandchildren: Michael, Matthew (Jeanette), Mark Griebel, Bradley and Lucy Jurkowski; and Big Baba to five great-grandchildren to Daityn, Caidy Belle, Trigg, Jacob, and Grace, and Ciocia to many loving nephews, nieces, and their children. Initially a working professional as a Practical Nurse, Helen then dedicated herself to her family, home and helped her husband Rusty as their children were growing with their specialty beverage distributorship business of 40 years in Ambridge, PA before retiring to Tucson, AZ in 1995. Helen graduated from Ambridge Area High School in 1940 and was a devoted member of St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church, the Holy Rosary Society and the Christian Mothers Association. Together with her Rusty, Helen was active in the Polish Falcons, Polish National Alliance, Ukrainian National Association, American Legion, Elks, Eagles and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Helen was a devoted and loving mother as well as the last matriarch of her extended family. She loved holidays and family "get togethers" and nothing brought her more joy than spending long hours cooking, baking and preparing for her company. While well known for culinary skills and sharing her recipes with all her loved ones, Helen's claim to athletic fame was the time she "bowled" a perfect game in the popular bowling leagues of days gone by. Throughout her life she maintained a sweet and honest demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many and always brought out the best in everyone that touched her life. Family and friends may call at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church at 8650 N. Shannon Road, Tucson at 10:30 am on Thursday, December 28, 2017. A "Celebration of Life" will follow at 11:00 am with interment at Holy Hope Cemetery, 3555 N. Oracle Road, Tucson. In lieu of flowers treat yourself and your family to a delicious pierogi dinner in Mom's honor- she would have loved that!