Mother of Harvard man
Helen Normand. (Courtesy photo)
Helen M. (Ruszczyk) Normand, born in 1920 as the 11th of 12 children to Adam and Mary (Konopka) Ruszczyk of Holyoke, died Thursday, April 5, after a short illness. She is survived by her son Victor and his wife Jacqueline of Harvard, their two daughters Emily of Allston and Madeline of Brighton; her son Robert and his wife Patricia of Holyoke, and their two sons Peter, his wife Polly and their son Samuel of Northampton; and Benjamin and his wife Jackie of Nantucket. She was pre-deceased by her brothers Joseph, John, Stanley, and Chester Ruszczyk, and sisters Sophia Kosiba, Genevieve Harasczyz, Janina Dunleavy, Stephanie Togneri, and Wanda Mengel. Her brother Edward and her sister Cecile Fleury, along with many nieces and nephews, survive her. Her sister-in-law Elaine Bressette and her brother-in-law Roland Bressette of Chicopee, and all of their extended family, survive her and were especially dear to her heart.
She was married for 62 years to her childhood sweetheart Roger Normand and shared a full and happy life with him, living in Chicopee and Holyoke, until his passing in 2010. She was a loving wife, caring mother, good friend, selfless volunteer, and passionate scratch ticket player. Always opinionated and sure of her point of view, she knew her mind but always had a warm place in her heart for others. For the past two years she had lived at the Loomis Retirement Community in Holyoke where she became endeared to staff and many other residents.
She was active in many social activities, including the dining and scholarship committees. She was president of the Knitting Club, which provided knitted items for many good causes including the military overseas, local elderly facilities, and many organizations benefiting infants and children.
The funeral was held Wednesday, April 11, 2012. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her name to the Scholarship Fund at Loomis House, 298 Jarvis Avenue, Holyoke, MA 01040 for the benefit of young workers and caregivers.
