Obituary of Helen Irene Demerly

 

It is with great sadness that the family of Helen I. Demerly announce her passing. Mrs. Demerly, 87, of Hamburg, NY, passed away peacefully at her residence on Friday, October 18, 2019. She was born on December 21, 1931 in Woodlawn, NY to the late Joseph S. and Helena (née Wojcik) Oleniacz.

 

A second-generation Polish-American daughter born and raised in Western New York with a family of four older brothers, Helen grew up at her hard-working mother’s side at the end of the depression era; she was raised in the old-school, traditional way of doing things. She quickly learned and maintained the enviable habits of hard work, housekeeping, heritage, and happiness.

 

After raising her four children, Helen worked for many years in the grocery industry as a head cashier and office manager – a career she took great pride in. Following her retirement, Helen enjoyed going on cruises, being a snowbird in Ft. Myers, FL, enjoying a colorful social life, volunteering at The Kavinoky Theatre, and being the proud and protective matriarch of her family - nothing was more important to her than family.

 

Helen is survived by her three daughters: Helen (late Brian) Frampton, Christine (Sam) Vernon, and Eunice West; nine grandchildren: Joseph (James Bell) Demerly, Danielle (Christopher) Marchitte, Catherine (Benjamin) Conroy, Justin Frampton, April (Billy) Taggart, Christopher (Karen) Frampton, Geoffrey Tocin, Bryanna (Justin) Litz, and Matthew Demerly; fourteen great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and countless friends.

 

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bryan W. Demerly, Sr.; her longtime partner, James MacIlhagga; her son, Bryan W. Demerly, Jr.; and her four brothers: Chester, Richard, Joseph and Franklin Oleniacz.

 

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Donald M. Demmerley Funeral Home, Inc. in Hamburg, NY. A private burial will take place at Hillcrest Cemetery with a celebration of Helen’s cherished life to be held at a future time.

 

Memorial donations in memory of Helen can be made to the American Cancer Society, the Hamburg American Legion Post 527, or The Kavinoky Theatre (320 Porter Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14201.)

 

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