Wanda Rup Helstowski

WHATELY - Wanda Helstowski, 102, of Whately, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2025, with her family by her side. Born in North Hadley to Andrzej and Katarzyna (Pekala) Rup, she was the sixth of eleven children. Wanda fondly recalled her early childhood in North Hadley prior to the family’s move to Whately in 1937, where she spent the remainder of her long and remarkable life.

Wanda attended both Hadley and Whately schools and was a graduate of Northampton High School (Class of 1941) and Northampton Commercial College. After college, she began her working career during World War II as Supervisor of the War Bond Department at the Springfield Ordnance District.

On July 30, 1945, she married the love of her life, Stanley W. Helstowski. Together, they built a life at Riverside Farms in Whately. Amid rows of crops, they raised seven children. Wanda was the heart of the homestead—caring for her growing family, helping in the fields, balancing ledgers, sewing, cooking, and baking, all while binding her family together with maternal strength and grace. After retiring from farming, she and Stanley managed a successful real estate business for many years until his passing in 1992.

Wanda was also active in the Whately community, serving for many years on the Whately School Committee and as Town Accountant. She was also a devoted member of the former St. Stanislaus Parish and the St. Anne’s Sodality.

Her love for family was unwavering. She was caring yet firm, forgiving yet demanding—her guidance not loud, but lived. Holidays at home were never just dates on a calendar—they were memorable gatherings filled with anticipation, preparation, family traditions, Polish cuisine, and signature dishes beloved by her grandchildren.

Wanda was predeceased by her beloved husband, Stanley, and by her daughters Andrea Roth, Valerie Cullen, and Sandra Helstowski. She now joins them in eternal rest, along with her sisters Anne Richmond, Genevieve Yagodzinski, Antoinette Adamski, and Edna Bartos, and her brothers Joseph, Andrew, Roman, John, and James Rup.

Her legacy lives on through her children: Dianne Wolejko of Southern Pines, NC; Stanley Helstowski (Constance) of Lunenburg; Kenneth Helstowski (Joanne) of Shrewsbury; and Kevin Helstowski (Amy) of South Deerfield. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and her sister Ramona Nieskoski.

Visitation hours will be held on Saturday, November 15, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Ahearn Funeral Home, 783 Bridge Road, Northampton. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Family Church in South Deerfield, followed by interment at St. Stanislaus B&M Cemetery.

The family sends special thanks to the entire Forest View staff at Linda Manor in Leeds for their wonderful care and for making her final year truly enjoyable.