March
1, 1918 - Nov. 12, 2009NEW CARLISLE - Her life could have been the material for a modern day novel. Her mother died on her 13th birthday, it was The Depression as she struggled to raise her three younger sisters, only to conquer each challenge in life and persevere. There was such a presence about Helen that as soon as you met her you knew this was someone you wanted to emulate. Her friends say she had a carriage and elegance about her that was both fresh and classic. Helen Nowak, the eldest child of Walter and Clara [Koszewski], was born in South Bend, IN, on March 1, 1918, and baptized at St. Hedwig Catholic Church. While attending South Bend Central High School she met and eventually married her high school sweetheart, Edward F. Nowak, on January 27, 1940, at St. Casimir's. As a member first of St. Stanislaus parish and then St. John the Baptist, she was active in many school and church organizations. In addition, her creative and organizational skills benefited the charitable activities of the Christ Child Society, The Daughters of Isabella and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus, Council 553. She also contributed many years as a volunteer to the Saint Joseph Hospital Auxiliary gift shop. Her family remembers her awesome sewing, cooking and home-making skills. Known affectionately as "Busia" for the last 29 years, Helen's greatest achievement was nurturing and loving her three children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren. She wanted to be remembered as a seamstress, but her talents went far beyond that. She could read a cookbook like a novel or see a dress on the rack and recreate it. Sandra McAfee remembers "Helen's expertise and willingness to teach was most influential in nurturing my interest in sewing. She designed and constructed my bridal veil, which remains a treasure to this day." For many Christmases children delighted in her handmade Red Riding Hood dolls. Helen was also a most gracious host. Ever a strong and practical woman, Helen touched many through her random acts of kindness and compassion. She always made you feel welcome and comfortable whether you were the janitor or the president of the company. An avid walker and heart healthy enthusiast, she could be found doing her laps at Notre Dame or the grounds of Hamilton Pointe. Her ability to convert a recipe to sugar/fat free and still produce mouth-watering dishes and desserts was legendary. Helen Isabel Nowak, 91, of South Bend, IN, died at Hamilton Communities in New Carlisle, IN, on November 12, 2009. She was preceded in death by her husband in 2007, by her son, Paul Edward, in 2001, and by her sister, Stella Taberski, in 1965. Surviving are two daughters, Dr. Kathleen Bondy of Conway, AR, and Anita Nowak of Chicago, IL. Two sisters who survive her are Genevieve Cytacki and Carrie Ganus. She has six grandchildren, Paul E. Jr. and Christopher of Grand Rapids, MI., Nicholas of Lumberton, NJ, Marienicole, attending Franciscan University, and Monica and Timothy, who reside in Mt. Laurel, NJ, with their mother, Linda. There are also five great-grandchildren. A Rosary will be said at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on Saturday, November 21, 2009, at 10:45 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial. Kaniewski Funeral Homes, South Bend, is handling the arrangements. Memorials may be made to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 3526 St. Johns Way, South Bend, IN 46628; to The Center for Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637; or to a charity of the donor's choice. To send online condolences, please visit www.kaniewski.com.