Helen Buraczynski Perniciaro

April 14, 1930 - March 23, 2016

Helen Perniciaro, 85, born on April 14, 1930, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on March 23 2016. She was the beloved wife of the late Thomas R. Perniciaro. Born in New Britain, CT., she was the daughter of Anthony and Mary Bastek Buraczynski. She was predeceased by her brother Joseph Panus and sister Lucy Orzechowski. Upon her graduation from New Britain High School in 1948, Helen pursued her goal to become a nurse. A staunch advocate for those she cared for, Helen worked in hospitals in New Britain and Hartford, retiring from her nursing career from Plainville Convalescent Home. Additionally, Helen owned and operated, with her husband, All Seasons Spirit Shoppes in New Britain and Plainville. Helen was a past president of the Soroptomist Club of New Britain. "Gigi" as she was affectionately called by her family loved cooking and baking for her family and friends, and was known for her spectacular pies. Helen was a member of First Lutheran Church of the Reformation where she enjoyed singing in the choir and being a member of the church council. Helen had a passion for traveling and forging friendships with people worldwide. Her trips took her to Austria, Australia, China, Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, New Zealand, Poland, Russia, the South Pacific and Taiwan. She found great enjoyment as a member of the U. S. Friendship Force, as a "friendship ambassador" hosting many international visitors in her home. A loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, she is survived by son Robert G. Perniciaro and his wife Annette; daughters June O'Leary and her husband Robert, Nancy Giannini and her husband John; as well as her eight beloved grandchildren Gwen Hyde and her husband Tom, Robert T. Perniciaro and fiancée Helena Tabachny, Douglas O'Leary and fiancée Sari Jacob, Katie O'Leary, Eileen O'Leary, Gabriel Giannini, John Giannini Jr., Alixandria Giannini; and two great grandchildren Madison Hyde and Lindsay Hyde and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, March 26, 2016 at First Lutheran Church of the Reformation, 77 Franklin Square, New Britain. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery, Southington. Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 25, 2016 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Carlson Funeral Home, 45 Franklin Square, New Britain. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Residences, Inc. c/o Robert Kalinowski, 50 Rockwell Road, Newington, CT 06111, in honor of her beloved grandson, Gabriel Giannini, who held a very special place in her heart. Please share a memory or note of sympathy by "clicking" SEND CONDOLENCES at the bottom of the page.