Helen Marie Wozniak, age 91, passed away peacefully early Thursday, July 23, 2020 in Dearborn, MI. She was born Jan. 22, 1929 in Chicago, Il to John and Tillie (Thecla) Mastalski. Graduated from St. Hedwig High School in 1947, she had perfect attendance and was in honor society all four years. She wrote for the school newspaper the last two and played volleyball and tennis. Following high school she worked for Fisher Body Plant before marrying her husband Marvin on May 30, 1949 and raising their family in Detroit, MI.

Known as Helen to her friends, "Helch" to her late-husband, and Busia to her grandchildren, Helen was a devoted friend and caretaker to many. She was a professional socialite with a sharp memory who knew the names of family and extended family of virtually anyone she met. Helen loved hosting gatherings for friends and family, always with lots of food (including her legendary pierogies), and was a master of the stalling tactic; bringing out more food, drink or another line of discussion to extend visits by hours.

Proud of her Polish heritage and a devout Catholic, Helen spoke fluent Polish and was a regular fixture at Detroit area Polka dances and Catholic masses.

Helena Polka

Helen, Helen, Helen

You are such a lovely miss

How bout a little kiss?

For instance one like this

Helen, Helen, Helen

Since I fell in love with you

What else was I to do?

You made my dreams come true

Oh how I love to dance

I love to dance with my Helen

She's sweet and gay

Nice in every way

With her my heart will always stay

Helen is survived by son James (Maria) of Grand Ledge, MI, daughters Donna (James) Walega of Louisville, CO, and Joanne (Edward) Gallick of Columbus, OH, sister Josephine Demps, brother Casimir (Mary) Mastalski, grandchildren Paul (Erin Buitendorp), Katherine, David Gallick, Maureen (Alex) Eaton, Colleen Gallick, Basia (Rodrigo) Perez, Monika Walega, Andrzej Walega, and three great-grandchildren, and network of cousins, nieces and nephews around the country. Helen is preceded in death by her husband Marvin, her parents, sibling John Raymond (Nancy) Mastalski and daughter-in-law Linda.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen in Detroit, MI. Donate

A visitation will be held from 1-9 p.m. with a Rosary at 7 p.m. Monday, July 27, 2020 at Howe-Peterson Funeral Home - Dearborn Chapel. Service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 28, 2020 at St. Kateri in Dearborn with a visitation prior at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI. Share your memories and condolences at www.howepeterson.com . ***

In respect to the executive order issued by the governor, the gathering for Helen will be limited to 10 people in our gathering space at one time.  Please be patient if you are requested to wait before greeting the family.  If you will not be in attendance please be sure to sign the guest book and leave an online condolence to comfort the family.  The Howe-Peterson staff practice social distancing, we respectfully encourage our guests to do the same.