Helena Biernacki

With profound sadness, we announce that our dearest Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother and Sister - the late Helena Biernacki (née Skiba), departed peacefully from this world on December 11, 2022 with family by her side, at the age of 90.



Helena is survived by her daughter Maria E. Orlowska; son Jan Orlowski; five beloved grandchildren Victoria Orlowski, Patricia (Michael) Cyrwus, Angelika, Josef and Robert (Melanie) Orlowski; two darling great-grandchildren Josephine and Bartholomew Cyrwus; and sister Krystyna Gigiel.

Helena was preceded in death by her beloved son Kazimierz Orlowski (3/14/2019) and brother Tadeusz Skiba.



Helena was a woman of resilience, strength and independence. Being a survivor of WWII, she put faith and family first. She taught her grandchildren how to pray the rosary daily and even pilgrimaged to Rome. Helena was optimistic, loving and her hospitality was seen through her Polish cooking particularly her infamous pierogi and red barszcz. Helena loved to sew, grow colorful gardens, drive her car, assist those immigrating to America, and help others unconditionally.



Funeral visitation and vigil service will take place at Pietryka Funeral Home, 5734 W. Diversey Ave. in Chicago on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 from 4-8pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated the following morning 9am.

St. Priscilla’s Catholic Church, 6949 W. Addison St. in Chicago, and will be immediately followed by a graveside service and interment at Maryhill Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleum in Niles.