WESTFIELD: On January 9, 2022, Helen (Helena Banas) Romanski (1918-2022) was called to heaven. Affectionately known as “Ciocia” to many, she was born at home on May 22, 1918 to Katherine (Walania) and Andrew Banas in Westfield, MA. She attended school in Westfield and graduated from Westfield High School in 1936. She married Eugene Romanski on October 10, 1943. Helen was proud of her Polish heritage and was famous for hosting the traditional Christmas Eve (Wigilia) and Easter celebrations at her home. She was legally blind, but this did not stop her from living her life independently. Her faith in God was unshakable. She was passionate about cooking and hosting Sunday dinners, where she would entertain everyone with tales from the past. Helen was a seamstress by trade and worked for many years as a Department Manager at the Rainbow Girls Coat Company in Springfield.
Helen leaves two children, daughter Albina Romanski of East Berlin, CT and Kathleen Tassinari of West Springfield. She will also be greatly missed by her “adopted” daughters, Sandra Pennas, “the skinny daughter”, and Laurie Brodeur. In addition, she leaves her beloved “adopted” grandchildren, Andrea Johansen and Aaron Brodeur.
She was predeceased by her beloved son-in-law, Robert Tassinari, and siblings Vironica Banas, Anthony Banas, John Banas, Sophie Laduzenski, Sally Parda, and Frank Banas. She also leaves many nieces and nephews which were a great joy in her life.
Helen was an inspiration to everyone; loving, kind, and hardworking, she was a model for all on how to age with dignity and grace.
Family and friends may gather for a Funeral Mass to be celebrated Saturday, January 15th, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity Church, 335 Elm Street, Westfield, MA.
Memorial contributions may be made to Helen’s beloved Holy Trinity Church, 335 Elm Street, Westfield, MA 01085.
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