Helen Harenza Szmyd was called to her heavenly home on Monday, January 25, 2016, with her loving family at her side. She was born in Uniontown on April 11, 1920, to Joseph and Victoria Harenza. As a teenager, Helen traveled to Chicago to live with her aunt and uncle to find work. She was employed as a supervisor in the shipping department of Western Electric at the Hawthorne Works, which was the site for numerous research studies in worker productivity. Helen retired with nearly 40 years of service. She was a member of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church and the Happy Helen's Club

She was married in 1952 to Louis Szmyd with whom she shared her Catholic faith and Polish heritage. Together they enjoyed Polish music and Polish food. Helen was an accomplished cook and when invited to her table, she encouraged you "to eat with gusto".

Helen was predeceased by her parents, her husband, her brother, Frank Harenza, brother-in-law, Ted Bieniek, and niece, Vicki Lynn Bieniek. She is survived by her sisters, Millie Saytos, Virginia Bieniek, sister-in-law, Sophie Harenza, nieces, Beverly and Jeff Popson, Sandi and Bill Long, Marice and Scot Brooks, all of Uniontown, and nephew, Jerry and Verna Harenza of Florida, great niece, Bekkah and Matt Moreland of Pittsburgh, great nephews, Ian Brooks of Michigan and Jeremy and Kim Harenza of Florida.

Helen's family would like to thank Father Jim Clark and Father Jim Morley for their spiritual support, the love and care provided by the staff and administration of Beechwood Court, and the Amedisys staff, especially, Wally, Melissa, Chris, and Pastor Mike.

Friends will be received at the Stephen R. Haky Funeral Home, Inc., 603 N. Gallatin Ave., Ext., Uniontown, PA, (today) Wednesday, January 27, from 3-7 PM; and on Thursday morning, January 28 until 9:30 a.m. when prayers of transfer will be said.

The Funeral Mass will follow at 10 a.m. on Thursday in St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 180 Old Walnut Hill Rd., Uniontown, PA, with Rev. Father James B. Morley as celebrant.

Interment will be held at Sylvan Heights Cemetery, Uniontown, PA.

Your personal written tributes and memories are welcomed and encouraged at www.hakyfuneralhome.com.