Helen M. Szablewski was born on August 9, 1937, in Depew, New York, to the late Florian and Helen (nee Schultz) Nowak.  A lifelong resident of Depew, Helen’s roots ran deep in the community she loved.

She met the love of her life, William R. Szablewski, in the fifth grade — a childhood friendship that blossomed into a lifelong love story. They were married on November 26, 1963, at Sts. Peter and Paul Church. Together they built a beautiful life centered on faith and family.

Helen was a graduate of Bryant & Stratton College and worked as a dedicated legal secretary for Joseph Schultz, Attorney at Law, in Lancaster, New York. She took great pride in her work and the relationships she formed throughout her career.

Above all, Helen was a devoted mother to Helen A. (Leo) Senese, Jackie (David Stillwell) Szablewski, Barb (Ron) Staggs, William J. (Leah) Szablewski, Colleen (Vincent Perry) Szablewski, and Timothy (Leigh-Andra) Szablewski.

She was a loving grandmother to twelve grandchildren: Domenic Senese (fiancé, Hailey Perry), Steven Senese (fiancé, Samantha Crone), Brandon (Tori) Staggs, Ryan Staggs, Alyssa Staggs, Benjamin (Kaley) Szablewski, Hannah (Marcus) Montgomery, Xander Perry, Christian Szablewski, Luke Szablewski, Ema Szablewski, Will Szablewski; and two great-grandchildren, Quinn Montgomery; and Judah Staggs; each of whom brought her immeasurable joy.

For 35 years, Helen served as a Girl Scout leader, guiding and inspiring girls of all ages with patience, kindness, and steady encouragement. She also shared her beautiful voice as a member of the choir at the former Sts. Peter & Paul Church and at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. Her faith was the foundation of her life.  And in the spirit of scripture, to Helen, “a stanger was a friend you hadn’t met yet.”

Helen had a talent for painting, drawing, and arts-and crafts.  Each of her children, have been wrapped in the love stitched into her crocheted afghan blankets and pillows.  She reveled in car shows and parades.  And enjoyed card playing with her husband – especially in the company of her sister-in-law (Arlene Krupski), late brother-in-law (Donald Krupski), and late mother-in-law (Adelle Szablewski).  

Nothing meant more to Helen than time spent with her family. Whether cheering from the

sidelines at a sporting event, hosting gatherings, or simply sitting together in conversation, she

treasured every moment.

Relatives and friends may visit at Cichon-Borgosz Funeral Home Inc., 4929 Broadway, Depew,

on Wednesday from 3–7 PM. Prayers will be offered Thursday at 9 AM at the funeral home,

followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 5337 Genesee Street,

Bowmansville, at 10 AM. Interment will follow at St. Augustine Cemetery.

Helen’s life was one of quiet devotion, steady love, and unwavering faith — a legacy that will

live on in the hearts of all who knew her.