1921 - 2015
Visitation
July 6, 20153:00PM-7:00PM
Dolan Funeral Home
Funeral
July 8, 201511AM
St. Mary Church
Helen E. (McLaughlin) Ralowicz, a longtime resident of Chelmsford, was escorted from this world by her gracious and merciful God of Hosts on Thursday, June 25, 2015, peacefully at the age of 94.
Born in Boston March 7, 1921, she was the daughter of the late J. Leo and Elizabeth C. (Kiley) McLaughlin. Graduated from Jamaica Plain High School, attended Mass Commercial College, and proudly worked at the Boston Army Base during WWII. Helen met Edward D. Ralowicz of Lublin WI at a USO dance and married April 19, 1947 in Boston.
Helen was a founding member of the Open Gate Garden Club of Chelmsford. During her membership she served as chairman of Conservation and Environmental Concerns; helped with annual plant sales, Mother’s Day Tables, Garden Therapy at Camp Paul; and was a member of the herb group. Helen was a Mary Kay Cosmetics Beauty Consultant and Recruiter for the Classy Cashin unit where, for more than 30 years, she never missed a meeting. She also volunteered at the Harrington School in North Chelmsford as a Teacher’s Aide, Chelmsford TeleMedia, and Middlesex Women’s Club. She was a Communicant and Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary’s in Chelmsford.
Helen is survived by children; Leo E. Ralowicz of Chelmsford, Philip J. Ralowicz and wife Jane of Lowell and children Samuel, Amelia, and Isabella; Stephen H. Ralowicz and wife Aprill of Liverpool, TX and children Daniel, Helen, Christian, and Joanne; Raviinder K. Khalsa (AKA Elizabeth H.) and husband Sat Kartar S. Khalsa of Herndon, VA and children Jai-Jagdeesh and Avtar S.; Peter R. Ralowicz and wife Vicki of Houston, TX and their children Adrienne, Edward, and Alyssa Ralowicz and husband Michael Higgins of Willis, TX; John H. Ralowicz and wife Anne of Chicago, IL; and Dr. Andrew E. Ralowicz, and wife Evelyn of Gaithersburg, MD and children Marenka and Cosette; niece Barbara (Ralowicz) Hinson, and husband Richard of Ann Arbor, MI and children Caroline, Jennifer, and Steven; and niece and nephew Ashley Scruggs and Colby Scruggs. Helen was a great-grandmother to be.
She was preceded in death by brother Gerard L. McLaughlin of Brockton, MA; husband Edward; brother-in-law John P. Ralowicz and wife Jessie of Pensacola, FL; and niece Janet (Ralowicz) Scruggs of Pensacola, FL.
Helen will be remembered as the family matriarch, a devoted wife, a tremendously supportive mother, and wonderfully giving grandmother.
She always wore a smile and looked on the bright side of life.
Please contact the family for the celebration of life location and time.
Visiting hours Mon. July 6th from 3 to 7 P.M. Funeral Wed. July 8th at 10A.M. from the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 106 MIDDLESEX ST. CHELMSFORD, with a funeral Mass at 11A.M. at St. Mary’s Church. Private burial will be in St. Paul’s Cemetery, Hingham, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Educational Fund of the “Open Gate Garden Club”, c/o 23 Bentley Lane, Chelmsford, MA 01824 attn: L.J. Smith Treas., or a charity that touches your heart, would be appreciated. ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041.
Diana Cunningham
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What an amazing woman, wife, mother, grandmother and so much more. An exemplary role model! What a life, what a ride! Even though tears are shed now, I suspect she will always be remembered with love, smiles, and laughter. Her wit, wisdom and love are incredible gifts to be treasured by all who loved and knew her. Blessings to you all.
Teresa Grove
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My deepest sympathy to the Ralowicz family.
Todd Niemiec
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Our family are deeply appreciative of the happiness, love, wisdom, and optimism that aunt Helen shared with us. She will always live in our hearts. Our deepest condolences to the entire family. We are sorry that we could not be with the family to celebrate Helen’s life.
The Niemiecs
Todd & Julie (Sara, Grace), Craig & Kate (Kendall, Cameron), Neal, and Jack
Dorene Boyle
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Dear Leo and Family
My prayers are with you during this difficult time. I know how much you loved your mom and took such good care of her. Take care Dorene McSheehy Boyle
Janet
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I’ve heard such wonderful things about Helen through her loving son, Andrew. My deepest condolences to Helen’s family and friends. With love, Janet Krause
Andrew E. Ralowicz, Ph.D.
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I love you Mom, and miss you.
Love
Your son, Andrew