Helen Mary Polecki

Helen Mary Polecki of Cutchogue died Aug. 22, 2010, at her home. She was 85.

She was born Jan. 23, 1925, to Alexander and Hedwig (nà e Jowszek) Zelinski and had been a secretary with LILCO in Riverhead.

“Our mother was a strong, independent woman, determined to stay in the home she loved, in the town where, from the age of 5, a network of family and friends kept her company,” said a family statement. “She enjoyed participating in community events, crossword puzzles, the Business Channel and keeping abreast of local news.

“She told us stories about Cutchogue from her childhood and instilled in us a love of natural beauty during walks by the rocky shore of the Sound, along the fairway of the country club on a summer evening and during days spent swimming in the clear waters of Peconic Bay. She believed in land preservation, personal responsibility and God. She loved us and will always be loved by us.”

She was predeceased by her husband, Frank Polecki, and is survived by her son, Richard Polecki of Orlando, Fla.; a daughter and son-in-law, Marie and Stephen Weiss of Bayport; and her grandson, Christopher Weiss of Sherman Oaks, Calif.

Friends were welcomed on Aug. 25 at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck, where vigil prayers were conducted that evening. The Liturgy of Christian Burial was celebrated Aug. 26 at Our Lady of Ostrabrama R.C. Church in Cutchogue. Interment was at Sacred Heart R.C. Cemetery in Cutchogue.