South Deerfield, MA – Helen Valerie (Gorski/Gorska) Rotkiewicz, of South Deerfield, passed away on December 10, 2025 at the Center for Extended Care in Amherst. She recently celebrated her 101st birthday alongside her great grandson’s 1st birthday surrounded by loved ones. Helen was born on October 7, 1924 in Whately to her parents Maximillian and Mary (Ostrowski) Gorski.
Helen attended school in Whately and later Holyoke when she lived with her grandparents while her parents worked full time. She graduated from Deerfield High School where she proudly received the American History Medal and graduated as class valedictorian. On her birthday in 1943, Helen was married to Leo Charles Rotkiewicz Sr. at St. Stanislaus Church by Rev. John Langow. The couple enjoyed polka dancing and playing cards. Leo passed away on October 20, 2002.
Helen grew up on a farm in Whately. She worked in the former Pocket Book Shop then at the Billings Pharmacy. Later she went to work in the family business, Leo’s TV, with her husband and son which brought her on several trips around the world. Helen was a longtime member of the St. Anne Sodality where she held positions of Secretary and Treasurer. She helped as a collector for weekly mass, as treasurer for the Christmas Bazaar, and worked at the church bingo for many years. Helen loved hosting and having company over. She always hosted family Christmas and Easter and loved to make apple pies. When her son would come home at night with his band, she would wake up and make them breakfast. In later years, she enjoyed having the house full during Sunday football games. Helen was affectionately known as “Bamy” to her granddaughter Emily and a community of friends who she loved as if they were family.
Helen leaves behind her son Leo Charles Rotkiewicz Jr. and his wife Ursula Heidi Silva; her daughter Valerie Jean Rotkiewicz Mills and her partner Philip Lucero; her granddaughter Emily Rose Lucero and her husband Alberto Orozco; and her great grandson Lionel Emiliano Orozco.
Calling hours will be held on Monday December 15, from 5 to 7 pm at Wrisley Funeral Home in South Deerfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday at 11 am at the Holy Family Church on Sugarloaf St. in South Deerfield. In memory of Helen’s life, donations can be made to the South County Ambulance. Helen had helped raise money for a new ambulance for the 300th celebration of Deerfield and her family has appreciated the care she received from the department over the years.
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