Helen (Lewandowski) Biernat

Mrs. Helen (Lewandowski) Biernat, age 89, of Frankfort, passed away on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at the St. Luke’s Home with the love and support of her family by her side. Born in Utica on July 13, 1921, Helen was the daughter of the late Paul and Mary (Grabarczuk) Lewandowski. Raised and educated locally, she was a member of the first graduating class of T. R. Proctor High School, the Class of 1938. On November 8, 1942 she married John L. Biernat with whom she shared 36 years prior to his passing on November 18, 1978; their marriage was centered around their children, providing them a good home life and sacrificing for the good of the family. Helen worked as a nursing assistant for several years at the Allen Calder Wing at St. Luke’s Hospital. She was hardworking, enterprising, very perceptive, and quick-witted. But her primary concern was her home and family for whom she was very supportive, kind-hearted, and unselfish. All in all, she was a great lady. During the more active years of her life she was creative in arts and crafts and enjoyed making holiday cards for her family. She crocheted afghans in multitude for the veterans of Syracuse and Utica, “blanketing the area” with these handmade beauties, and she was recognized for her generous support of the veterans’ agencies. But the most precious of those afghans are legendary to her children and grandchildren as legacies of her love. Her outdoor activities included gardening, yard work, and meticulous care of her lawn. Her leisure interests involved working word puzzles and spending time playing board games with her precious grandchildren. Helen was a Christian woman of deep faith, praying to God for consolation and inspiration. Helen is survived by her children and their families, John Jr. and Patricia Vidoni Biernat of New Hartford, Janet A. Biernat of Frankfort, Edward J. and Jacqui Biernat of Canandaigua, and David A. and Libby Biernat of Rotterdam; and her grandchildren, Christin and Nathan Merkel, Jeremy and Sarah Biernat, Andrew Biernat, Lydia Biernat, David James Biernat, and Bethany Biernat. Survivors also include her sister, Genevieve Smith of Atlanta, GA; her brother and sister-in-law, Ferdinand and Ana Lewandowski of Rochester; several nieces and nephews, especially acknowledging JoAnn and Tom Rosecky, and Mary Ellen and Kenneth Weliczka; great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, Sadie Parkola, Betty Baran, Stanley Biernat, Frank Biernat, and Jenny Biernat; and her longtime and loyal friend, Gloria Pry. She was predeceased by her brothers, Stanley, Joseph, Paul, and Walter Lewandowski; and her sister, Josephine Novak. In keeping with Helen’s wishes, the family will honor and celebrate her life in a private gathering. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in lieu of flowers may make a donation to the Frankfort Center Fire Department, 799 Center Rd., Frankfort NY 13340, or to the American Heart Association, 120 Lomond Ct., Utica, NY 13501. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Helen (Lewandowski) Biernat

July 13, 1921 - October 12, 2010