Helen Pczonka Dripchak, age 92, of Derby, CT entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, February 17th, 2016 at the Connecticut Hospice in Branford, CT.
A lifelong Derby resident, she was born on September 6th, 1923 to the late Josephine (Surdel) Pczonka and the late Frank Pczonka.
Helen will be sorely missed by her beloved husband of over 66 years, Stephen Edward Dripchak.
She is survived by her loving sons, David Dripchak and his wife Susan, of Shelton, CT and Stephen Dripchak Jr. and his wife Kimberly, of upper Montclair, NJ. She leaves 11 grandchildren: Heather Dulka Shea and her husband John, David Dulka Jr. and his wife Lisa, Eric Dripchak, Alex Dripchak, Stephen Dripchak III, Cody Dripchak, Emily Dripchak, Allison Dripchak, Natalie Dripchak, Kyle Dripchak, and Melanie Dripchak. She also leaves 5 great grandchildren: Austin Dulka, Daphne, Connor and Tyler Shea, and Karlie Gottschalk. She is the sister of Mary Tracz of Derby, CT as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter Pamela Dripchak, her brother Frank Pczonka Jr., and her sister Genevieve Wailionis.
Helen was a graduate of Derby High School, and worked for over 35 years in Derby City Hall. She was the first female city clerk elected in Derby. During her tenure as a public servant she was awarded an official citation by the general assembly of the State of Connecticut for her outstanding and dedicated service as city clerk for the City of Derby. She was a member of the Derby Democratic Town Committee and the Polish Falcons of America Nest #208. She also volunteered at Griffin Hospital and St. Michaels Church in Derby.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Birmingham Health Center of Derby, CT, and the Connecticut Hospice for her care.
Friends may call on Friday from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Edward F. Adzima Funeral Home, 253 Elizabeth St., Derby. On Saturday, her funeral procession will leave at 9:30 a.m. for her Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Her burial will follow at St. Michael Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary/St. Michael School, 14 Seymour Ave., Derby CT 06418.
Friends may leave condolences at www.adzimafh.com.
