Helen Theresa Diamond

Helen Theresa Diamond, 93, passed away peacefully at the Little Sisters of the Poor, Holy Family Residence, in Scranton, Pennsylvania on Tuesday, January 20, 2015.  She was surrounded by family and the Little Sisters with much love and prayers.   She was a lifelong resident of Scranton.  Born on March 27, 1921, she was the daughter of the late Alexander and Antonina Czerwinska Blakiewicz.  

She worked as a seamstress for more than 20 years and was a member of the I.L.G.W.   She attended St. Patrick’s Catholic Church where she was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society and Legion of Mary.  Helen donated many hours to the church and school fund raisers.  She was well known for her cabbage rolls and piorigis.  She was a tireless worker and would cook, clean and iron for family members and friends.  This was her way of showing love and helping anyone in need.  She was the patriarch of the family; always hosting dinners and cooking everyone’s favorite meals when they visited.  She loved her family.

Helen was very devout in her faith and after a mild stroke left her incapable of caring for herself she entered Holy Family Residence in February, 2001.  This was her home for the last 14 years and she thrived.  She absolutely adored all the Little Sisters and the entire staff and they adored her.  She went to chapel every day and said prayers and the Rosary.  She was a true woman of faith. 

She was married to the late Joseph G. Diamond, Sr., on May 24, 1941.  They had 31 wonderful years together before he died on April 21, 1975.  They had two loving children.

She is survived by her son Joseph G., Jr. and his wife Carlyn of Easton, MD and daughter Judy Gafney and her husband Leo of Lakeville, CT;  sisters Ceil Ulrich of New Port Richey, FL and Alice Davis of Edgewater, FL; grandchildren Lisa Ridgeway, Robin Miller, Danielle Moore, Julie Gafney, and Emily Gafney; 9 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Sandie Wollaston; brothers Alexander, Anthony, Stanley, and Walter; sisters Mary Preitz and Charlotte Shubert.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10:30am in the Chapel at Holy Family Residence Chapel 2500 Adams Ave. Scranton.

Friends may call Friday from 4-7pm in the Maloney Lounge of the Holy Family Residence.

Interment, Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Little Sisters of the Poor, Holy Family Residence 2500 Adams Ave. Scranton, PA 18509.

To share a memory or to leave a condolence please visit www.vanstonandjames.comhttps://ssl.gstatic.com/ui/v1/icons/mail/images/cleardot.gif

Arrangements have been entrusted to and are under the care and direction of the Vanston and James Funeral Home, Scranton

4 Comments

  1. Betty & Joe

    You all have our deepest sympathy. We are so sorry for your lose but know you are at peace with your Mom’s final resting place. Hope it is a comfort to know she will be smiling down on you from heaven.
    Love,
    Betty & Joe

  2. Marietta & Steve Gress

    We will miss Helen, “Grammy.” She was such a neat and remarkable woman. We had some fabulous times with her! Her love for her family and friends never seemed to be in short supply.

    Here’s to the Lady who meant so much to all of us.
    Here’s to the love she shared abundantly.
    Here’s to a life of giving and sharing.
    Here’s to our sweet Helen, in Heaven she will be.

    We will miss you for all days.

  3. Gloria

    My sincere sorrow in the passing of your mom. Many memories come to mind including the conversations I had with her about Joe and Judy. Moms are special. My mom has been in a nursing home for six years with alzheimers. I miss her terribly for a million reasons. She kept and still has a beautiful necklace given to me by Joe. She loved him. I would have attended the services but my job kept me from taking the time. Keep the faith and you will be happy forever…..Gloria

  4. Lyn Conklin

    Dear Judy, Leo, Julie and Emily
    My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I know from experience that the years of memories that you have shared will be a source of great comfort and joy in the years to come.
    Affectionately,
    Lyn

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