Helen Sophie (Duda) Banas

 Helen Sophie (Duda) Banas, passed away on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at the age of 101.  She was born on May 15, 1919 in Ware, Massachusetts to the late Anthony and Mary (Podkowka) Duda.  She grew up on the family farm in Ware, milking the cows and listening to the whippoorwills; it was a terrible blow when the family farm was lost in the Great Depession.  Helen graduated from Ware High School in 1936.  She married Joseph P. Banas, who predeceased her in 1996.  The couple lived on Francis Street in Springfield.  Helen had a great talent for knitting and sewing beautiful handmade clothes.  Helen was proud to celebrate her 100th birthday at Salem Cross Restaurant last year.  She was predeceased by her siblings, Stanley Duda and Victoria (Duda) Pychewicz.  She was well cared for by her late nephew, Francis Pychewicz, and in recent years, by Christine Sullivan.  Helen was the beloved aunt of Fr. Charles Kuzmeski.  A Calling Period will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2020 from 9:45-10:45 AM in the Cebula Funeral Home Chapel, 66 South Street, Ware, MA.  A Funeral Mass will be offered by her nephew, Fr. Charles Kuzmeski, at 11 AM in St. Mary's Church, 60 South Street, Ware, MA.  Helen will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband in St. Mary's Cemetery in Ware. In lieu of floral offerings, please make donations to St. Mary's Church, 60 South Street, Ware, MA.  Due to COVID-19 state guidelines, masks and social distancing must be observed during the services.  

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