Helena Traczewski

Helena Traczewski, age 79 of Warren, died Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at Ascension St. John Hospital & Medical Center in Detroit. She was born June 30, 1940 in Germany, daughter of the late Blaze J. and the late Mary (nee: Banas) Bruzdziak.

For a period in Helena’s life, she was a proud member of the workforce and the smiling face you might have met if you were shopping for shoes at the Naturalizer store. The “perfect fit” for a shoe saleswoman, Helena knew her product well,…but found equal, or perhaps even more, satisfaction in engaging with the public. Selling someone the right shoes can make a positive change for their near future, but selling yourself can keep them coming back for an extended future,…and that’s just where Helena shined.

She also brimmed with a bright & cheery smile each time she hit the road on her next trip down to sunny Florida to go beachcombing in beautiful St. Pete’s. (If the chamber of commerce is reading this, we mean to say, St. Petersburg.) Helena loved the beach and the warm & cozy sand to run her toes through. It was simply something entirely different than hangin’ out at Metro Beach,…and immensely more inviting. Just watch out for those fins in the water if you take a dip.  

For Helena, life was all about having fun. Her calendar was always teeming with the many various social events and engagements that kept her going, and kept her young. She loved attending the many festivals that speckled the community, but there was one, special festival that made a wonderful difference in Helena’s life. It was hosted by St. Sylvester Catholic Church in Warren, and it was one in which she just happened to make the acquaintance of a new friend,…a friend who could dance! Over time, this “Dancing Duo” made their mark on many of the area dance floors with their smooth and stylish moves,…and Fred & Ginger had nothin’ on these two. Of the many dances they perfected, one of their favorites was the Polka. They did it so often and so well, they ultimately danced their way into the iconic group, the Polka Boosters.

Basically, Helena embraced life and the many facets it possessed. Just like a diamond, with every turn and move it sparkles and radiates even more,…and she certainly was a gem. She lived, laughed, and loved,…and she brought others along for the ride whenever she could. The best rides would be those shared with her family as her loved ones meant the world to her. Helena was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, and she leaves a plethora of precious moments to reflect upon for those who were blessed to know her and be loved by her. She will be missed immensely and loved eternally.    

Helena was the beloved wife of the late Mieczyslaw Traczewski, and dearest mother of Richard (Julie) Traczewski and Elizabeth (Ron) Compau. She was also the loving grandmother of Charlene and Ryan.

A Memorial Mass for Helena will be held on Friday, July 26th at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, 31555 Hoover Road in Warren. The funeral liturgy will begin at 9:30 am, and the family welcomes guests for a memorial gathering which will precede the Mass from 9:00 am to 9:30 am. Officiating the Mass will be Reverend Fr. Nick Zukowski.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home in Warren, Michigan.

Please share memories of Helena at her guest book below.