Helen L. Uznanski

Helen L. Uznanski, 100, of Wallingford, passed away peacefully at Miller Memorial Community, on October 29, 2023. Helen was born in Meriden on November 9, 1922, a daughter of the late John P. Lietz and Mary (Hurst).

Helen grew up in Meriden and later moved to Southington where she raised her family. She trained at Laurel Business School in Meriden. She worked for CT Telephone during WWII, helping build field telephones for the US Troops. She later worked at Peck Stowe & Wilcox, managed the pet department at Kings Department Store, and taught ceramics for the Meriden Girls Club.

Helen was a volunteer in her community, serving in various roles. She began a neighborhood Cub Scout Pack, volunteered for many Milldale School activities, was a Girl Scout Leader and Leadership Trainer and a leader for Union (later Southington) Junior Grange, and an active member of the Union Senior Grange. She was a founding member of the Southington Band Backers, having hand-carried the original charter to Hartford. She enjoyed gardening, bird watching, and ceramics. She was an extremely strong and independent woman, living on her own until very recently.

She is survived by her children; Richard L. Uznanski and his wife Suzanne of Middlefield, Thomas C. Uznanski and his wife Shirley of Berlin, Susan J. Zoni and her husband David of Southington, and Barbara J. Bennett and her husband Frank of Boring, OR, 13 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, many great grandchildren, son-in-law Russell Shugg, and “adopted son” Richard Krolikoski, his wife Paula, and their daughter.

She is predeceased by her husband, Charles E. Uznanski, daughter Mary-Ellen Shugg, sisters Arline Burkinshaw and Barbara Egan, and another “adopted son,” John Hoff (Diane).

Services are private and at the convenience of the family. DellaVecchia Funeral Home, Southington, is assisting with arrangements. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.dellavecchiasouthington.com.