HELEN C. SWINICKI

Helen Claire Swinicki, 94, of Holyoke passed away in her sleep on March 15, 2021. She was the youngest, and last surviving, of nine children of the late Simon and Agnes (Hanusiak) Swinicki. She was born and raised in Holyoke and was a graduate of Holyoke High School Class of 1945.  Helen was a woman ahead of her time who had a great spirit of adventure and tremendous courage. Following her high school graduation, Helen moved to Boston, Pasadena California, and Washington D.C. where she worked for the FBI and the U.S. State Department. She was awarded an Exemplary Citation for her professionalism in the performance of duties from the U.S. State Dept. She returned to Holyoke where she worked for the Holyoke Water Power/Northeast Utilities from which she retired. Helen was a member of and volunteered for many organizations including The National Foremen’s Institute in Secretarial Administration, Holyoke Business Professional Women’s Club, the “Read-A-Loud” reading program in Springfield Schools, Northeast Utilities Association of Retired Employees, Friends of South Hadley Seniors, South Hadley Choralites, and an original member of the Holyoke Civic Choral Society. She was also the Treasurer and Secretary of the Electra Club at Northeast Utilities and Treasurer of the Polish Junior League of Western Mass.  Helen loved to sing and dance and will especially be remembered for her ability to dance the Polka, even in her nineties.Helen was predeceased by her brothers Stanley, Walter, and Frank and her sisters Valerie, Mary, Jean, Adele, and Stella. She is survived by her niece, Mary Ann Pekalski of Ballston Lake, NY, and several nieces, nephews and grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family

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