Helen M. Nagle

Helen Marie (Champney) Nagle, 89, of 40 Beale St. Worcester died peacefully on Friday, January 9th, 2015, at St. Mary Healthcare Center after suffering a massive stroke back in November. She leaves her long time companion, Henry T. "Ziggy" King; three grandchildren, Erik James Raptis and his wife Rosebell Kinyanjui-Raptis, Philip Gregory Raptis, and Nicole Diana Raptis; her former son-in-law, Ted Raptis; a great grandson, Ian Kinyanjui, all of Worcester; three nephews, Bartholomew, Norman, and Gregory Riel; and many great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter, Nancy E. (Witko) Raptis in July 2014 and by a sister, Jeanne Riel, wife of Norman Riel. She was also predeceased by her former husbands, George Nagle, a Worcester Police officer, in 2012, and Alfred Witko, a U.S. Postal clerk in 1999. She was born in Worcester on Valentine's Day, 1925, daughter of the late, Helen C. (Chrzciewksi) Ryan and Elmer Champney. She attended school in Worcester and has lived here all her life. She was a member of Our Lady of Czestochowa Church. Helen worked as an extremely dedicated psychiatric aide and L.P.N. at Worcester State Hospital for over twenty years, before retiring in 1981. She had previously worked at the former Washburn Company before getting married and raising a family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and beloved "Auntie" to many. She was very attentive and active in the Polish Community in and around Worcester; she was a tireless and dependable worker and fund raiser, always giving of herself. She was well known and a very "put-together" lady; and her festive spirit, flirtatious manner, and sharp-witted comedic nature made her loads of fun to be around. Throughout her jovial life, she enjoyed children, dogs, dancing, and the beach. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Calling hours for Helen will be held on Tuesday, January 13, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. Her Funeral will be held on Wednesday, January 14, from the funeral home with a Mass at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, 34 Ward Street, Worcester. Interment will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester.