Helen Pietrowicz

Helen (Gurney) Pietrowicz, 88, passed away on April 27, 2021. Visitation with the family will be at Memorial Oaks Chapel on Sunday, May 2, from 5:00 pm until the recitation of the rosary at 7:00 pm.  Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Monday, May 3, at 10:00 am with Father Joven Saavedra officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Helen Bernice Gurney was born on May 19, 1932, to parents Henry and Bernice (Zaur) Gurney. She grew up in Bremond Texas and attended St. Mary’s Catholic School.  On January 20, 1951 Helen was united in marriage to Bruno Pietrowicz. They were blessed with seven children. Helen was a loving and dedicated mother and said that “God gave me the best seven he had” when referring to her children.

In her spare time Helen enjoyed crocheting, making everything from hats and scarves to large art pieces. She enjoyed gifting others with her work. She loved her church and enjoyed helping with alter care, bazaars, serving funeral meals, and bulletin preparation. Helen adored praying and worshiping Jesus in the Adoration Chapel.

Helen is survived by her children Shirley Laskowski, Margaret Malina, Becky Derkowski and husband Larry, Bruno Pietrowicz, Jr., Robert Pietrowicz, Linda Oates, Kathleen Estes, nine grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband Bruno in 2003, and sons-in-law Mark Oates and Julian Laskowski.

Pallbearers will be grandsons Brad, Travis, and Derrick Laskowski; Larry Jr. and Darren Derkowski; and Matt Oates.

We are forever grateful for the love and compassionate care Evergreen Cottages gave our Mother. Mom was truly happy there.  If you’d like to make a donation in memory of Helen, please consider  St. Mary's Catholic Church,701 Church Street, Brenham, TX 77833 or Evergreen Cottages Memory Care at https://www.evergreencottages.com/donation.

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A word about our Mom ....

Our Mom was amazing . As a child we all think our moms can do anything. As adults, we knew ours could. She stretched a dollar like no one else and purchased many toys and household items with S&H Green stamps.

Mom played with us often. When bicycling, Mom put Kathleen, the baby, in the front basket and Linda on the pumper seat. The oldest, Shirley, was on another bike with Margaret and both pedaled while Becky was perched on the handle bars. Junior and Robert were on their own bikes weaving in and out. There were no crash helmets but we survived.

After Mom hand waxed the hardwood floors, she buffed them with our help. She would sit against the wall with her knees to her chest. We sat against her feet in a curled up position as she lunged us across the floor. The added fun was getting a pair of daddy’s socks and having a skating party on the newly waxed floors.

Mom was an excellent cook from delicious, perfectly fried chicken to tender, smoked barbeque ribs. She was very imaginative. Mom created her own recipe for colored, candied popcorn before it was available commercially. She made donuts out of canned biscuits and fried dewberry pies from our many berry picking outings. We also had homemade Kool-Aid popsicle treats made in ice cube trays. She and Daddy made ice cream often with the kids alternating turning the crank.

She sewed most of our clothes. Many without a pattern including wedding dresses, veils, and bridesmaids’ gowns. Our Halloween costumes were all homemade. Mom was also an avid crocheter making doilies, wall hangings, baby booties, and afghans.

All her life, Mom was young at heart and quite active. We were Truly Blessed.

We’d like to share a loving note Mom left us:

“I want to thank you, all my children, for being the wonderful beings that you are. GOD TRULY GAVE ME THE BEST 7 THAT HE HAD. If there are any bad feelings toward Daddy or myself, please forgive us.”