LUDLOW, MA – Helen E. Kulewicz of Ludlow, MA passed away quietly on Saturday, March 22, 2014. Helen was born on July 15, 1927 in Monroe, NY. She graduated from high school in Suffern, NY in 1944. Helen received a certificate from The Wilferd Beauty Academy as a hairdresser and worked in NYC until she married Joseph M. Kulewicz of Spring Valley, NY on May 29,1949.
As an Air Force wife, she lived in several state side locations and after Joseph’s retirement the family settled in Ludlow. Helen was a Girl Scout leader and volunteer to various organizations for many years. She went to work for Sunshine Art Studio after her children were grown and worked at Monarch Life Insurance for many years until her retirement. Helen was the past President and held other offices in the Air Force Sergeants Association Auxiliary. She volunteered at the VA hospital in Leeds, MA doing pet therapy with her Sheltie Pepper. She was a welcome visitor at the Holyoke Soldiers Home where she donated many hand made items to the patients. Mom was an avid crafter and donated her proceeds to non-profit organizations. She spent her last days at her son Stephen’s home in Westfield with the wonderful assistance of the Noble Hospice organization.
She is predeceased by her parents, Leon F. & Vivian C.Smith of Monroe, NY; her husband, Joseph M Kulewicz; her sister, Frances Kordiak; her nephew, Bill Kordiak and niece, Debbie Ann Kordiak all of Tuxedo, NY. She leaves her sister, Flora Terpstra of Montgonery NY; her children, Jo Ann Ligenza of Barrington NH, Stephen Kulewicz of Westfield, MA & James Kulewicz of Chicopee MA; her granddaughters, Jennifer Strafer of Worchester MA, Michelle Guntor of Chicopee, MA & Linda Kulewicz of Belchertown, MA as well as four great-grandchildren. She also leaves three step grandchildren, Juanita Gran, Krystal Howard & Alex Howard IV.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 29th at 11:30 a.m. in Ludlow Funeral Home followed by burial in Island Pond Cemetery. Visiting hours are on Friday from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and preceding the funeral from 11:00-11:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Holyoke Soldiers Home or Westfield Noble Hospice, 77 Mill Street, Westfield, MA 01085.
For additional information, please visit www.ludlowfuneralhome.com
