Louise (Helaire) Rutkowski

Naugatuck-Louise (Helaire) Rutkowski, age 90, formerly of Naugatuck and more recently Cheshire House Nursing Home,  passed away on Wednesday May 20, 2020 due to COVID-19.

Louise was born in Laflin, PA on July 24, 1929, a daughter of the late Lucien and Mary (Gontkowski) Helaire.  As a young girl, her family moved to Connecticut where she later held many jobs but ultimately found her niche as a nurse’s aide at Southbury Training School.  Following her retirement in 1985, she continued to extend her caring nature to her grandchildren and cats.

Louise leaves behind two daughters, Laura Varrone and her husband Mario of Naugatuck, and Diane Weldon.  She is also survived by two grandchildren, John Kolodziej and his fiancée Melissa, Briana Varrone, and step-grandson Nicholas Varrone; her sister Lorraine Schmaltz; her brother Leonard Helaire and his wife Pamela; and several nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Edmund; her sister Helen Szczesiul, and brother Lucien Helaire.

She will be truly missed and never forgotten for her generosity, unique personality, and snappy sayings that will live on forever.  The family would especially like to thank the staff of Waterbury Hospital for the compassionate and outstanding care they provided her.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday May 23, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. at All Saints Cemetery, Spring Lake Road in Waterbury.  To send an on-line condolence, please visit www.naugatuckvalleymemorial.com.  The Naugatuck Valley Memorial/Fitzgerald-Zembruski Funeral Home, 240 North Main Street, Naugatuck, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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