Helen (Abdella) Zaremba

It with great sadness we announce the passing of a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and friend in her sleep on Monday, June 7^th, 2021,  Helen A. (Abdella) Zaremba,  who was 95 and a lifelong resident of Worcester, joins in heaven the “Love of her Life” Joseph S. Zaremba, who passed away 29 years to the day on June 7^th in 1992.

Helen was born in Worcester, August 23, 1925, one of seven children  of Lebanese immigrants, Anthony and Freida (Nackley) Abdella.   Raised in the Hamilton Street Lebanese neighborhood of Worcester, Helen met shortly after World War II, and married in Our Lady of Mercy church in 1947, Joseph S Zaremba.  They built their present home and began to raise their family with love, family and faith for the next 45 years before Joe left her side.    The matriarch of the Zaremba and Abdella families, Helen’s home was a gathering point for neighbors, friends, and relatives from all over.  She notably, constructed a pool in her backyard, so she could watch over, the safety of hers and the neighborhood children.   Everybody young and old was welcome in Helen’s home,  there was always a meal ready or something to eat before you left.  She was an amazing Lebanese cook and all looked forward to a visit to Helens for her food.    She even found time to help support her family by working over 50 years as a machine operator for the Anderson Tool and Stamping company before retiring. 

Helen’s husband of 45 years, Joseph passed away in 1992.  She leaves the family she so loved and was extremely proud of, Paul J. Zaremba and his wife Donna of Sutton, William “Bill” Zaremba and his wife Maryann of Glendale, AZ, Susan A. Nuzzolillo and her husband John, Joanne Papagni and her husband Stephen all of Worcester; six grandchildren she cherished, Kelly, Zachary, Amy, Bryan, Nicholas and Joanna. Many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews extended family members and a grateful host of friends for Helen’s generosity.     In addition to her husband, Joe, and parents, her six siblings, Peter “Punjab” Abdella, David, Leo J., Raymond F., and Alfred “Fred” and sister, Cecilia Collins, all predeceased her.  

A woman of great faith, Helen was an active member, supporter, and volunteer of Our Lady of Mercy Church.  She was a great cook of Middle eastern food and every other type.  Helen also cherished having her home the center of activity for family, friends, and the neighborhood.  All were welcome, day and night.

The Zaremba Family would also like to express their deepest appreciation to Angela Williams, who not only has become a family member, for wonderfully taken care of Helen over the last couple of years with compassion and kindness, like it was her own mother.

Friends and relatives are invited to a period of calling hours Monday, June 14^th from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St, followed by a procession to Our Lady of Mercy Church, 341 June Street where her Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:30 am.   Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery.   In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Mercy Church, 341 June Street, Worcester 01602.