Helen Kochanowski

Helen Kochanowski, 91 years old, fell asleep in the Lord on December 14th, in her home, surrounded by her loving family. Born on December 20th , she was the beloved daughter of Andrew and Catherine Barniak Kochanowsky. A native of New Britain and a graduate of New Britain High School, she worked briefly at Bell Bakery, at Stanley Works, and then established her career as an underwriter for the W. L. Hatch Insurance Co., where she eventually retired. As a young woman, Helen loved to travel and no one was ever disappointed with the lovely gifts she would bring back from her adventures. But enjoying new places was something she wanted to share. To that end, she never missed buying seasons tickets for her nieces and nephews to the weekend travel logs at the Bushnell Theatre and always treated them to a restaurant dinner "after the show" so they too could experience the wonders and beauty of the world around them. Moreover, she loved to read to them as children, particularly poetry, Aesop's fables and taught them an array of traditional proverbs they remember to this day. Helen loved to create: She loved to sew, knit, crochet, and even made rugs, dying the threads by hand. She was a life-long active member of St. Mary's Ukrainian Orthodox Church where, as a youth, she sang in the choir and later served as the financial secretary of the sisterhood for 25 years. She embroidered numerous costumes for the Ukrainian dolls, knitted countless hats for orphans, packed donated clothes each week for charity and baked the tallest cakes for the church bake sales. But perhaps her kindness and generosity was best expressed in the personal interest she took in others. She adored her family, "each and every one", and paid particular attention to the accomplishments of her nieces and nephews who were a tremendous source of joy in her life. More importantly, she was a ready confident, always available to those who sought her advice, her guidance and her wisdom. This was truly her gift and she will be deeply missed by all who loved her. Helen would also want the world to know the love and appreciation she felt, particularly for her brother, John, who tirelessly provided exquisite care during her illness and honored every final wish. She will be eternally grateful. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her sisters Mary Kerelejza, Elizabeth Fenton, Alice A. Andrusia, and Anne Belonick and her brothers Lester and Andrew Kochanowsky, all of whom will joyfully greet her. Surviving are her brothers John Kochanoski of New Britain and Joseph Kochanowsky and his wife, Ann of Newington, along with several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. The funeral will be at 10 AM on Thurs, December 18th at St. Mary's Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 54 Winter Street, New Britain, CT 06051. Waking hours will be in the church Thursday morning from 9-10 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Mary's Ukrainian Orthodox Church Sisterhood of St. Olga for their charitable acts and important church projects. Memory Eternal. Carlson Funeral Home, New Britain is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share a memory or note of sympathy by "clicking" SEND CONDOLENCES at the bottom of the page.

Helen Kochanowski

December 20, 1922 - December 14, 2014

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Helen Kochanowski

December 20, 1922 - December 14, 2014

365 Days of Grief Support

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