Helen V. Tarjack

Helen Veronica (Twardzik) Tarjack, 92, formerly of 12 Union St., North Adams, died Saturday, March 15, 2003, at the Mont Marie Health Care Center, Holyoke, where she had resided since January 1999.
Born Jan. 2, 1911, in the Housatonic section of Great Barrington, she was the daughter of Thomas and Frances (Krzynowek) Packlick, who had emigrated from Poland. She was educated in Housatonic schools.
She began working at an early age in the former Monument Mills and later at the Rising Paper Co. in the same town.
In her youth, she was an active member of All Saints Church, Housatonic. She belonged to its Children of Mary Youth Group, the Rosary Society and sang in the St. Cecelia’s Choir. At one time, she was chosen “Miss Poland” in a beauty contest and rode on a float in a local parade. She enjoyed polka dances at the local Polish American Clubs in Housatonic and there she met her husband, Michael W. (Twardzik) Tarjack.
Following her marriage, she resided at 35 Montgomery Ave., Pittsfield. She was especially fond of her elderly mother and father-in-law, John and Catherine Twardzik. They enjoyed movies, cooking and baking together.
In Pittsfield, she was employed at the former Elmvale Worsted Co. and later worked in the housekeeping department of the Pittsfield General Hospital.
She was an active communicant of Holy Family Church, Pittsfield. She was a member of its Rosary Sodality and the Third Order of St. Francis of Assisi.
In 1974, she moved back to Housatonic where she lived with her brother, Benny Packlick, at 15 Park St. She renewed her membership at All Saints Church, where she was a member of its Rosary Society. She was active in baking for parish fund-raisers and celebrations.
She served for many years as a companion to elderly and infirm women in Pittsfield. She served as a “grandmother” to children and young adult residents of Vesper Hills, now Berkshire Meadows in Great Barrington.
When her health began to fail, she moved to South Deerfield to live with her son, the Rev. Father Michael Twardzik, then pastor of St. Stanislaus Church there. Residing in the parish rectory, she attended daily Mass, was a member of its St. Anne’s Sodality and participated in the annual parish barbecue and polka party.
In the fall of 1997, she moved to the rectory of St. Francis of Assisi Church, North Adams, when her son became pastor of St. Francis, Notre Dame du Sacre Coeur and Our Lady of Mercy parishes and became an honorary member of the Rosary Society there.
In 1999, she moved to Mont Marie Health Care Center, Holyoke, where she was an active participant in the prayer life of the community. There she was known affectionately as “Sister Helen Veronica.” She took Tai Chi lessons at the age of 89 and enjoyed bingo.
Her husband, Michael W. (Twardzik) Tarjack, whom she married on Oct. 17, 1936, in All Saints Church, Housatonic, died May 2, 1968.
She leaves a son, the Rev. Michael W. T. Twardzik, pastor of St. Francis, Notre Dame du Sacre Coeur and Our Lady of Mercy parishes, North Adams; a sister, Bessie Williams of Topsfield; two brothers, Frank Packlick of South Egremont and Harry Packlick of Miami, Fla.; 33 nieces and nephews.
Two brothers, Stanley Packlick and Benny Packlick, and a sister, Mary Potash, are deceased.

FUNERAL NOTICE -- A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Helen Tarjack will be celebrated Wednesday, March 19, 1:30 p.m., at Holy Family Church, Pittsfield, with the Rev. Michael W.T. Twardzik, son, officiating. Burial in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Pittsfield, will follow.
Calling hours are Wednesday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Holy Family Church, 133 Seymour St., Pittsfield.
Donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph through the Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, 74 Marshall St., North Adams, Mass. 01247, which is in charge of arrangements.