Obituary of Helen Podles

Helen (Gressak) Podles, age 94,died Thursday, February 15, 2018 at St.Vincent Hospital after a period of declining health. Her beloved husband of almost 70 years Theodore Podles passed in July. Helen was born in Uxbridge, MA. She is the daughter of the late Charles and Catherine (Polacek) Gressak. Helen was the youngest of 14 children predeceased by 7 sisters and 6 brothers She is survived by two children, Karen D'Alessandro and her husband Gary of Shrewsbury and Thomas Podles and his wife Janine of Webster and daughter in law Cynthia Podles of Sturbridge. Predeceased by a son David in 2009.She leaves seven grand children: Nicholas D'Alessandro, Julie D'Alessandro Daly, Kathleen Podles Small, Christina Podles, Thomas Podles, Jr, Gregory Podles, & Brittany Podles and 8 great grandchildren. Many Treasured Nieces and Nephews. She was employed by Whitin Machine Works, Waucantuck Mill, Webster Candy Co. ,and retired from the former Webster Lens Co. During WWII she worked at Quonset Point, R.I. painting airplane dials for the Army Air Corps. She was a communicant at St. Andrew Bobola Church and a member of the Holy Rosary Sodality there. Helen was happiest in her kitchen cooking and baking, especially yummy pies and traditional Polish and Slovak specialties. She delighted in planning family gatherings and being surrounded by the joyful noise of family fun. She loved to dance!! She enjoyed travel with Ted in retirement, especially to Hawaii and California, & Florida to visit family and friends and tour national parks and attractions. Helen set an example of commitment to family, the spirit of giving, and practiced an unwavering faith in God through prayer. She was thankful to be blessed with a long and active life and expressed gratitude often for the love and many kindnesses given by family and friends, and to the Reliant medical team who provided the expert care and thoughtful attention she needed to remain active and comfortable at home. She remains in our hearts forever. A Mass of Christian burial will be held 11:00 am on Monday, February 19 at St. Andrew Bobola Church, 54 West Main St., Dudley, MA Burial will follow in St. Joseph Garden Of Peace Cemetery Calling hours will be Sunday, February 18 from 3 to 6 pm at Bartel Funeral Home and Chapel 33 Schofield Avenue, Dudley, MA. In lieu of flowers Donations to St. Andrew Bobola Church Kitchen Renovation Fund , 54 West Main St., PO Box 98, Dudley, MA 01571 or National Kidney Foundation 209 West Central St. Suite 220 Natick,MA 01760