Helen M. (Grabowski) Kaminski

Helen M. Kaminski (Grabowski) passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on December 24, 2018 at the age of 95. She was born on November 19, 1923 in Wilmington DE, daughter of the late Wictorya (Kobrynski) and Ludwig Grabowski. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 53 years, Walter J. Kaminski Sr. (1995), her siblings - Franciszek Grabowski, Edward Grabowski (Adele), Evelyn Wisniewski (Stanley), Mary Kozicki (Adam) and Anthony Grabowski (Cecilia). She was the last surviving relative in her generation of both the Grabowski and Kaminski families.

Helen and Wally raised and educated eight successful children. Helen (Grandmom, Babci) will be sadly missed by her loving children - Louise A. Bishop, Lorraine K. Jackson (Deacon Joe), Dr. Walter J. Kaminski Jr. (Evelina), Ronald A. Kaminski (Margaret), James L. Kaminski (Lisa), Joseph E. Kaminski (Lisa), Joanne H. Proszowski and Dianne M. Bowen. She cherished her 18 grandchildren - Deborah Deal (Paul), Kathleen Zylka (Craig), Kimberly Williams, Joseph Jackson Jr. (Beth), Kristen Jackson; Lisa Arnold (Tim), Karen and Laura Kaminski, Katie Sobala (Rick); Eric Kaminski; Jessica Snukis (Tom), Julia and Lauren Kaminski; Zachary, Alexandra, and Analise Kaminski; Christopher and Kyle Bowen; her 15 great grandchildren - Carolanne and Benjamin Deal; Abigail, Joshua, Caleb, Sarah and Jonathan Zylka; Chase Williams; Salvador Nunez; Sean and Ryan Jackson; Faith, Timothy and Lucas Arnold; Nicholas Sobala; Baby Snukis due June 2019 and numerous nieces and nephews.

Helen attended St. Hedwig’s Elementary School, Bayard Jr. H.S. and Wilmington H.S. At the age of 18, she went to work at the Wool Mill, then National Vulcanized Fiber until the birth of her twin daughters in 1944 when she became a full-time homemaker. Helen and Wally were great Polka dancers - the “Chester Hop” being their favorite. They were members of St. Hedwig’s Alley Cats for many years and cruised to Florida with their favorite polka bands. Mom enjoyed her weekly line dancing classes at Oak Grove Senior Center. She loved to crochet afghans and especially sweater/hat sets for her grandchildren. She was an excellent seamstress sewing children’s and adult clothing, slipcovers and draperies.

Helen loved life and lived a full and rewarding one. She was a lifelong member of St. Hedwig Church and the Blessed Virgin Mary Sodality and worked at many bazaars and bingos. Her rosary and prayer cards were always in her hands before the day was over. Her strong Catholic faith, unbelievable patience, unconditional love and beautiful smile will always be remembered.

Her family meant the world to her. She was involved in many of her children’s school activities. When her son Walter was a dental student at Temple University, she proudly became his first patient. Helen loved to cook, always making sure her family (and all their friends who still remember her) were well fed. Making homemade pizza every night as a snack was a ritual. Her homemade Pierogi, Golumbkie, Babka and Kruszczyki were on the table for every holiday.

Helen’s grandchildren and great grandchildren lit up her life; she was always ready to babysit and chauffer to and from school. Grandparent’s Day at school was one of her favorites. She never missed a graduation and was so proud of all their accomplishments.

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday, January 3, 2019 in St. Hedwig Church, Linden and S. Harrison Streets, at 10:30am. Visitation for Helen will be held at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808 on Wednesday, January 2, 2019 from 5-7 pm. Burial will follow Mass in the Cathedral Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Hedwig Church 408 S. Harrison Street, Wilmington DE 19805.

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