Obituary: Helen M. Dudek, 101, of Wallingford

WALLINGFORD, CT - (From Wallingford Funeral Home) On May 3, 2022 Helen M. Dudek, beloved wife of Joseph F. Dudek was reunited with him and her Lord after 101 years on this earth.

Mrs. Dudek was born in Meriden, December 3, 1920, a daughter of the late Leo and Wanda (Kloskowski) Mierzejewski. She graduated from Meriden High School in 1938 and was employed at Meriden Permanent Savings & Loan for several years before marrying the love of her life on September 16, 1944.

As her children grew, Helen became active in PTA and several organizations at Our Lady of Fatima Church, where she and Joe were founding members. Helen was active in Ladies Guild, The Meriden Council of Catholic Women and served on Fatima’s Parish Council.

She also donated her time each year at the parish’s annual carnival as a booth captain. Helen was honored on her 100th birthday with a proclamation from Mayor Dickinson commemorating that milestone.

She was her daughters’ biggest cheerleader as they participated in several varsity sports and later continued that role as her grandchildren excelled in sports. She cheered at basketball, softball, tennis and field hockey games, but could never understand why her grandson would participate in the 500 meter relay in swimming. “No one should have to swim that far,” she observed.

Helen was an avid bowler in her younger years and bowled many a 200+ game. Later in life, she took up golf and played into her 70’s. She wasn’t long, but she was straight down the middle. She was also a long-time UCONN Women’s Basketball fan.

She and her sister Fran would analyze the games during their Saturday morning chat-fest. Helen was also a fan of professional tennis and never missed a Wimbledon or U.S. Open.

After Joe’s retirement, they became part-time Florida snowbirds enjoying the warmth of the sun, golfing and sampling area restaurants. Helen loved the holidays, both the secular and religious aspects. She had a child-like love of the 4th of July, especially the fireworks. She oo’d and ahh’d and clapped enthusiastically throughout the display.

She is survived by her daughters, Diane “Dee” Dyer and her spouse Kathy McShane of Wallingford, Joanne “Jo” Dudek and her partner Jan Novak of Natick, MA, and Nan Dudek of Crestone, CO; her grandchildren, Kristi Dyer and Jay and Helen Dyer; her great-grandchildren, Emily and Jacob “Jake” Dyer; her sister, Frances Jedynak of Wethersfield, her brother Leonard Mierzejewski of Meriden; eight nieces and nephews and many great nieces and great nephews.

Besides Joseph and her parents, she was predeceased by her brothers, Edward and Robert Mierzejewski and her dearest friend since childhood, Florence Flanigan.

Helen’s family extends sincere thanks to Cheryl and Maria, Helen’s long time care givers. Their loving care and concern were immeasurable and did not go unnoticed.

Her family will receive relatives and friends in The Yalesville Funeral Home, 386 Main St. (Rte. 150), Yalesville on Saturday May 14th, from 10 to 11am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30am at Our Lady of Fatima Church.

Interment will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Meriden. Gifts in her memory may be sent to Catholic Relief Services, 228 W. Lexington St., Baltimore MD 21201.