Helen K. Urbancic (1926 – 2022) of Williamsville, NY passed away peacefully on August 12, 2022 at the age of 96. Helen was born in Detroit, Michigan to Fred and Mary Bartol Kochivar. She was the youngest of four brothers, Fred, William, Albert, Anthony, and a sister, Pauline. As a teenager, Helen spent many summers at the family ranch in Montana where she enjoyed horseback riding and visiting her uncle and two brothers. After graduating from Wayne State University, Helen taught elementary school until she “retired” to raise a family. Helen married Frank Urbancic in 1953. They enjoyed 61 years together raising three children, Michele, Scott, and Kurt.
Frank’s work relocated the family from Michigan to East Aurora, NY, Connecticut, Orchard Park, NY, Kentucky, and then to Williamsville, NY. Always the adventuresome spirit, Helen would quickly get involved with school, church, and community groups in her new home. In retirement, Helen and Frank spent winters in Sarasota, FL where they were annual season attendees and supporters of the Sarasota Opera Company.
Helen’s love of international travel began with their six-week honeymoon where she and Frank toured eight countries including a stay with family in their heritage country of Slovenia. Travelling throughout the world and the US continued to be a big part of their life whether as a tourist in a new destination or spending time visiting family and friends. Family and friends were Helen’s priority and she made a special effort to stay in contact with those who were hundreds of miles away. People will remember Helen for her handwritten correspondence, the cookies and other confections she would bake, and her beloved red Mazda Miata in which she would zip around town.
Helen is a longtime member of the East Aurora Garden Club, the Amherst Symphony Orchestra, a member of St. Gregory the Great Seniors, the Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village and was active in Newcomers of East Aurora, Orchard Park, and Williamsville and the Newcomers Club in Kentucky.
Helen was predeceased by her husband, Frank, and sons, Scott and Kurt. She is survived by her daughter, Michele Urbancic of Charlestown, MA, granddaughter, Hillary Davis and her husband, Stuart, of Boston and S. Yarmouth, MA, and numerous nephews, nieces, great nephews, and great nieces located across the country including Colorado, Idaho, Florida, Michigan, Montana, and in China.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday October 21 at 10:30am from St. Gregory the Great Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Helen’s memory to the American Heart Association (heart.org) or Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital (foundation.kaleidahealth.org).
Please share condolences at www.denglerrobertspernafuneral.com
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