Helen Kozlowski (born Helena Malkowska), age 86, died Friday, October 4, 2013, after an abrupt illness. She spent the last six years of her life in Ramona, California, enjoying walks in the sunshine, being with family, and making new friends.

She was born to Ignacz & Franciska (Nogaczka) Malkowski, both now deceased, & grew up in Radziejow, Poland. Taken by Nazi’s as a young teen to a forced labor camp in Germany, she never saw her parents again. During WWII, she met and later married Mitchell Kozlowski in 1946 in Eckenford, Germany. They were married almost 44 years, until his death in 1990. They met other displaced persons in the camps that became lifelong friends of over 60 years. They immigrated to Chicago in 1951, and later Evergreen Park, IL in 1977. She later visited both coasts in order to be with her daughter and her beloved grandson. She was the mother of John Kozlowski, of Miller Beach, Indiana, Elizabeth Watson (Wade) of Worth, IL, Sophie O’Connor, of Ramona, and Kristine Slad (Vern) of Evergreen Park, IL. Her pride and joy was her only grandson, Mitchell O’Connor, of Julian, CA, granddaughter Shannon O’Connor, of Lakeside, and Great-granddaughter, Cailin. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Roman, who died at age 2 ½ .

Helen attended Grace Community Church, enjoyed their Senior ‘Rechargers’ group, and numerous Bible Studies. She enjoyed going to the Ramona Senior Center, for lunches, travel day trips with the Ramblers, and companionship. ‘Mama Helen’ will be remembered for her loving kindness, her big smile, and never-ending hugs and kisses – even to people she didn’t know.

Visitation Tuesday, October 8, 2013, at Grace Community Church in Ramona, from 1 p.m. until time of service at 3 p.m. Visitation Saturday, October 12, 10 a.m. until 12 Noon at Central Chapel, 6158 S. Central Ave., Chicago, IL. Burial Service Saturday, 12:30 p.m. at St. Mary Cemetery Chapel, 3701 W. 87th St., Evergreen Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Ramona Senior Center, 434 Aqua Ln Ramona, CA 92065.

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