Tolland Obituary: Helen Malinowski, 87

Helen Malinowski née Kamis returned to her heavenly home on October 1, 2016 at the age of 87. She had recently resided at Woodlake at Tolland Health Center in Tolland.

Helen was born on December 20, 1928 in Detroit, Michigan to the late John and Frances (Kozma) Kamazis. She graduated from East Hartford High School and married Edmond, a veteran of the US Navy, in 1949. They welcomed seven children into their home and hearts. Her children remember her as a kind, gentle and caring mother who encouraged them to pursue their goals.

She worked in the Trust Dept. at Shawmut Bank in Hartford for 14 years before retiring in 1993. Helen was an accomplished knitter and often knit blankets, hats and slippers for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a generous and witty woman who loved spending time with her family. She was also passionate about playing cards and board games. She will be dearly missed by her loved ones, who celebrate the fact that she is at peace with her creator.

Helen is survived by her six children: Joan Flanagan and husband Ken of Saluda, North Carolina, Lynn Shea and husband Marty of Manchester, Laura Pierce and husband Bill of Rindge, NH, Jim Malinowski of Westbrook, Sandra Kamis of Wethersfield, Jean Stender and husband Mark of Burlington and daughter-in-law Linda Lown of Easton, PA; 15 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren; her sisters, Ann Scoviac and Joan Lester of Michigan. She is preceded in death by her husband Edmond, son Eddie, sisters Frances Durkin and Eleanor Damashci, and brother Edward Kamis.

Calling hours were Sunday, October 2nd from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, 419 Buckland Rd., South Windsor. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, October 3rd at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Ellington Rd., South Windsor. Burial was in Wapping Cemetery, South Windsor.

The family gratefully declines flowers, but prayers, condolences and memories are gladly accepted at www.carmonfuneralhome.com.

Donations made be made to the Visiting Nurse and Health Services of CT, Hospice, 8 Keynote Drive, Vernon, CT 06066.

The family would like to thank the staff at Woodlake and Greater Hartford Hospice for their care and dedication.