Helen T. Swistun

Helen Teresa Swistun, 95, of Bellevue, died February 20th, 2020 peacefully in her home. She was born May 9th 1924 to Stanley Janicki Sr. and Hedwig Kurek Janicki in Sedro Woolley. Stanley and Hedwig emigrated from Poland and met in Chicago before settling in Sedro Woolley to raise their family. Helen was able to speak some Polish that she learned from her parents. She worked at Boeing during WWII, and later at her family’s shake mill in Sedro Woolley. She enjoyed knitting, tending to her indoor plants and loved being around family and friends. She was a devout Catholic and enjoyed practicing her faith. She married Kenneth Fitch in 1943 at the age of 19. Together they had two children, Teresa and Ted. They later divorced and she remarried in June of 1981 to Anthony (Tony) Swistun whom she adored and he was also Polish.

They lived happily in Kent, WA until Anthony passed in 1984. Thereafter she enjoyed spending time with family and was especially cared for by her brother, Walter Janicki until her death.

She is survived by daughter Teresa (Satsop), grandchildren Diane (Seattle), Charlotte (Tacoma), Nathan (San Jose, CA), great grandchildren Dennis (Lake Stevens), step-grandson Shad (Marysville), Erica (Tacoma), Great-great grandchild Connor (Lake Stevens), siblings Walter (Bellevue), Veronica (Chehalis) and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded by parents Stanley and Hedwig, first husband Kenneth, second husband, Tony, son Ted, granddaughter Tammy, and siblings Ted, Johnny, Wanda, Frank, Rosie, Pola, Stanley and Julia.

Helen was a loving person, always full of joy, and had a good sense of humor. She valued her family very much. She was always a delight to be with and will be missed by all her family.

A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held at St. Monica Catholic Church on Mercer Island on March 12, 2020 at 11:00. Her rosary will start before the funeral, at 10:30. In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to the Catholic Church or to your favorite charity.