On Friday, June 14, Helen (Bieda) Lawniczak, 96, of Howard found rest after a life of dedication to her faith, family and community.   She was born in Abrams on August 31, 1927, to Anna (Sliss) and Ernest Bieda on her mother's birthday.   She attended Pulaski High School and worked as a nanny and later for Pulaski Shoe Factory as a leather cutter.  She married her grade school sweetheart, Aloyzy Lawniczak, at Assumption BVM church in Pulaski on July 3, 1948.  Together they raised 6 children and celebrated 73 years of marriage before his passing in 2021.

Helen was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, a resourceful homemaker, and a dedicated volunteer.  She generously gave of her time volunteering at St. Vincent DePaul and serving in various capacities at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church for many years.  She was a member of the Catholic Women's group and an 80-year member of the Catholic Financial Life Fraternity.  She was always eager to care for her grandchildren.  She enjoyed golf, playing cards, and lunching with her lady friends.  She especially looked forward to her weekend getaways with her daughters.  She and Al enjoyed a trip to Europe, spending time in Florida, and taking a cruise.  She spent many hours in the vegetable garden at home and on their property in Abrams they called Green Acres.  She enjoyed preserving produce, especially fresh dill pickles, which were eaten faster than she could make them.   Mostly she enjoyed being home and with her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Al; daughter, Darlene Verhaagh and son-in-law, John Pasterski.  She was further preceded in death by her brothers, Jack (Stella), Ray (Margaret), Eddie (Alice), Leo and Jim; sisters, Della (Wally) Kollath, Lottie (Roman) Gawrylewski and Rose (Jim) Ryczkowski, and Al's siblings.

She is survived by her children, Michael (Debbie) Lawniczak, Jeffrey (Connie) Lawniczak, Julie Pasterski (Larry), Lynn (Jim) Goetsch, Sherry (Gary) Van Helvoirt and son-in-law Clyde Verhaagh.  Survivors also include her grandchildren, Jill Verhaagh (Mike), Jed Verhaagh, Jenny (Kevin) Wojcik, Jason (Lacy) Lawniczak, Aaron (Mallory) Lawniczak, Amber (Emery) Orlikowski, Ryan (Jordan) Cappaert, Adam (Amanda) Lawniczak, Brian (Melanie) Lawniczak, and Ariel Helen Goetsch; 12 great-grandchildren and special nieces and nephews.

Family and Friends may call at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 2597 Glendale Ave., Howard from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm on Wednesday, June 19, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 pm with Helen's nephew Fr. Patrick Gawrylewski O.F.M. presiding. The Mass will be livestreamed via the church's Facebook page, www.facebook.com/sjbhchurch .

In lieu of flowers, gifts of sympathy will be donated to the St. Vincent DePaul society to help those in need.