Helen T. Kiwak, 98, a former resident of Luzerne Towers and Swoyersville, passed into eternal life on Saturday morning, September 09, 2017, at The Gardens at East Mountain, Wilkes-Barre, where she was recently a guest.

Her beloved husband was the late Frank “Babe” Kiwak, who passed away on August 29, 1976. Together, Frank and Helen shared 30 wonderful years of marriage.

Born on December 13, 1918, in Wilkes-Barre, Helen was one of six children born to the late Felix and Clara (Kochuba) Stroinski.

Raised in Wilkes-Barre, Helen received her education at the former Saint Mary of the Maternity School, Wilkes-Barre, and E.L. Meyers High School, Wilkes-Barre.

Prior to her retirement at the age of 80, Helen was employed as a waitress at the former Stacks Lounge, Swoyersville and the former Gorda’s Café, Swoyersville.

Helen was also employed for many years as a seamstress for the former United Pants Factory, Swoyersville. Helen held membership with the International Ladies Garment Workers Union, and while she was working, she actively participated in her local union meetings.

Helen was a faithful Catholic and a longtime member of the former Saint Mary of Czestochowa Church, Swoyersville, where she held membership with the church’s Confraternity of Christian Mothers. Following the closing of her church, Helen became a member of Holy Family Parish, Luzerne, where she held membership with the parish’s Altar and Rosary Society.

Active within her community, Helen was a member of the Swoyersville Senior Citizens, with whom she enjoyed bowling. Additionally, she volunteered as a “Pink Lady” at the former Nesbitt Hospital, Kingston, for over 20 years, and was an avid supporter of the American Red Cross, donating blood as often as she could.

Helen was a loving homemaker who enjoyed cooking for her family. Her family will always remember her famous meatloaf and chicken soup.

Devoted to her family, Helen treasured every moment she had with her loved ones. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren held a special place in her heart, and she was blessed to play an instrumental part in each of their lives. Although her presence will be deeply missed, she leaves behind a beautiful legacy that will live on forever in the hearts of her loved ones.

Helen’s family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the doctors, nurses, aides and staff at The Gardens at East Mountain, Wilkes-Barre, for the compassionate care they bestowed upon her during her time there.

In addition to her parents, Felix and Clara Stroinski, and her husband, Frank “Babe” Kiwak, Helen was preceded in death by her son, Frank Louis Kiwak, who passed away on April 27, 2013; her son-in-law, William Galletti, who passed away on December 10, 2014; her brothers, Felix and Henry Stroh; and her sisters, Dorothy Yapsuga and Mary Daniels.

Helen is survived by her daughter, Irene “Patti” Galletti, Swoyersville; her son, Larry Kiwak and his wife, Joann, Swoyersville; her daughter-in-law, Margaret “Peggy” Kiwak, Souderton; her seven grandchildren, Tracy (Joseph) Blannett, Frank (Abbe) Kiwak, Jessica Kiwak, Lisa (Sean) Kelly, Michelle (Michael) Rollo, Jody Kiwak, and William (Maggie) Galletti; her eight great-grandchildren, Mallory and Meredith Blannett; Samantha and Ava Kiwak; Jack Kelly; Grace Rollo; Gianna and Gabriel Galletti; her sister, Irene Janoski and her husband, Gus, Pittston; her sister-in-law, Rosalie Parsons, Dallas; her brother-in-law, Charles Reilly, Wyoming; as well as generations of nieces and nephews.

Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral which will be conducted on Wednesday, September 13, 2017, at 9:30 AM from the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 AM in Holy Family Parish, 574 Bennett Street, Luzerne, with the Reverend Richard J. Cirba, family friend, officiating.

Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Saint John the Baptist Roman Catholic Cemetery, Dallas.

Family and Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, September 12, 2017, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, at the funeral home.

For additional information or to send Mrs. Kiwak’s family an online message of condolence, you may visit the funeral home web-site www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be given to the American Heart Association in support of Helen’s great-granddaughter, Samantha Kiwak. Checks can be made payable to the American Heart Association and mailed to 3215 Berry Brow Drive, Chalfont, Pennsylvania 18914.