Helen Louise (Rudek) Bugaj

At an early age, Helen moved with her family to Houston, Texas. Helen was one of six children born to Joe and Victoria (Skoba) Rudek. Four brothers, Raymond, Floyd, William, Leonard Rudek, and one sister, Mary (Rudek) Cones, all preceed Helen in her death. One sister, Sophie (Rudek) Bilski, survives Helen.

Helen married Johnnie Bugaj, son of John and Hattie (Bilski) Bugaj, from Brenham, Texas on September 1, 1951. They were married for 53 years until he passed away in July 2005. Their marriage resulted in the birth of seven children, four girls and three boys. Their first born was Barbara, followed by Kenneth, Betty, Sandra, Robert, Gary, and Michele.

Helen was a homemaker and never worked out. She supported her husband Johnnie as an entrepreneur and business owner in the electric motor business beginning in 1966. Helen's favorite past time was playing bingo at the local VFW, SPJST, or KC hall, or trying her luck at nearby casinos. Around the Christmas season, visitors could always look forward to having some of her homemade pierogies or her homemade noodles with chicken soup.

In July 2011, Helen's son Gary, suddenly passed away. Since Gary was living with his Mom at the time, his death was difficult for Helen to accept.

In the Summer of 2013, Helen relocated from Houston, Texas to Spring, Texas to live with her daughter Sandra and her late husband Jimmy Lacina, who passed away in September 2018. Sandra was the primary caregiver for her Mother over the past six years. Sandra's sister, Betty, assisted Sandra by staying with her Mother on weekends when Sandra needed to be out of town, or to assist her Mother.

While living in Houston, Helen attended Christ the King Catholic Church, Assumption Catholic Church, and Saint Ambrose Catholic Church. After moving to Spring, Texas in 2013, Helen started attending Woodlands Church and was a member of this church at her death.

Helen is survived by Barbara (Bugaj) Hansen and husband Rik, Kenneth Bugaj, Betty (Bugaj) Thomas, Sandra (Bugaj) Lacina, Robert Bugaj and friend Patsy, Michele (Bugaj) Morgan and husband Micah.

Helen is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild, Sister-in-laws, Veronica Rudek, Lucille Bugaj, and Regina Jankowski, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home, 13102 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77060, Wednesday, December 18, 2019. Visitation to start at 10:00am, Rosary recited at 11:00am, and Service at 11:30am. Interment immediately following.