Obituary of Helen Anna Malczewski-Harkola

Passed away peacefully on September 27th, 2024 at the age of 96. Predeceased by her husband of 72 years, Chet, and survived by her 4 children: Jana, John, Steve and Bill, 9 grandchildren and 9 great grand- children. She was a caring and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to many.

Helen had pursued many creative talents over her lifetime, though she wanted to be remembered as a person who loved her family, those she cared for and her faith. She was a care giver and custodian to her mother Jane, her cousin Francis and especially to her husband Chester during the later years of their lives. She engaged in public service including ministering to dialysis patients and others afflicted with various illnesses at Rochester General Hospital. In the final stage of her life at The Highlands Living Center, she offered the powerful and simple act of listening to, honoring and sharing her faith with many staff and residents.

Helen’s mantra was always “one day at a time” and it was how she lived her daily life. An avid reader, she loved spiritual material as well as fiction and actively engaged in daily prayer, recognizing the needs of all she came into contact with. She passed on with the rosary firmly gripped in her hand.

We love you Mom.

A memorial service and internment of ashes will be held at Holy Sepulchre on Saturday, November 9, 2024. The service will be held promptly at 12:00pm, so please enter the Lake Avenue gate by 11:45am to line up to follow the car procession to the designated Chapel.