Helen K. Willis

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KENNEDY, N.Y. - Helen K. Willis, 83, of South Route 62, Kennedy, passed away at 4:05 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12, 2009, at home under the care of hospice.

Helen was born Jan. 22, 1925 in Gowanda. the daughter of the late Frank and Anna Gominiak Chzanowski.

She was a 1942 graduate of Gowanda High School, and was a home maker. Helen was a member of the Kennedy Fire Department Auxiliary and was formerly a member of the Kennedy PTA, Kennedy American Legion Post, she was also a Cub Scout Master and was a Town of Poland Elections Inspector. Her interests included baking, canning, cooking, gardening and knitting.

Surviving are three sons: Alton H. Willis of Pittsford, N.Y., Paul C. Willis and his wife, Kathryn of Kennedy and Gary L. Willis and his wife, Kim of Grand Junction, Colo.; a grandson, Paul C. Willis of Kennedy; two sisters: Violet Szymanski of South Dayton and Rose Decker of Springville.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Alton ''Oddy'' Willis, whom she married on Nov. 8, 1947 in Gowanda and who preceded her on Jan.11, 2001; a grandson, Brain S. Willis; four brothers: John, Frank, Stanley and George Chzanowski; and three sisters: Laura Gumienik, Josephine Breckt and Virginia Barlow.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday in the VanRensselaer and Son Funeral Home, 14 Church St., Randolph, from where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday. The Rev. Cathy Basile, chaplain with Hospice, will officiate. Burial will be in the Kennedy Riverside Cemetery. To send a Condolence log onto www. vanrensselaerandsonfuneral home.com

Memorials may be sent to the Kennedy Rescue Squad or to Hospice of Chautauqua County, 4840 W. Lake Road, Mayville, NY, 14757.