Obituary of Helen I. Demerly

It is with great sadness that the family of Helen I. Demerly announce her passing. Mrs. Demerly, 87, of Hamburg, NY, passed away peacefully at her residence on Friday, October 18, 2019. She was born on December 21, 1931 in Woodlawn, NY to the late Joseph S. and Helena (nee Wojcik) Oleniacz. A second-generation Polish-American daughter born and raised in Western New York with a family of four older brothers, Helen grew up at her hard-working mother's side at the end of the depression era; she was raised in the old-school, traditional way of doing things. She quickly learned and maintained the enviable habits of hard work, housekeeping, heritage and happiness. After raising her four children, Helen worked for many years in the grocery industry as a head cashier and office manager, a career she took great pride in. Following her retirement, Helen enjoyed going on cruises, being a snowbird in Ft. Myers, FL, enjoying a colorful social life, volunteering at The Kavinoky Theatre, and being the proud and protective matriarch of her family. Nothing was more important to her than family. Helen is survived by her three daughters, Helen (late Brian) Frampton, Christine (Sam) Vernon and Eunice West; nine grandchildren, Joseph (James Bell) Demerly, Danielle (Christopher) Marchitte, Catherine (Benjamin) Conroy, Justin Frampton, April (Billy) Taggart, Christopher (Karen) Frampton, Geoffrey Tocin, Bryanna (Justin) Litz and Matthew Demerly; fourteen great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and countless friends. She is predeceased in death by her parents; her husband, Bryan W. Demerly, Sr.; her longtime partner, James MacIlhagga; her son, Bryan W. Demerly, Jr.; and her four brothers, Chester, Richard, Joseph and Franklin Oleniacz. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Donald M. Demmerley Funeral Home, Inc. in Hamburg, NY. A private burial will take place at Hillcrest Cemetery. A celebration of Helen's life will take place at a future date. Memorial donations in memory of Helen can be made to American Cancer Society, the Hamburg American Legion Post 527 or Kavinoky Theatre (320 Porter Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14201).