Obituary for Helen Sagan (Burzynski)
COHOES – Helen Sagan, a longtime resident of Cohoes, was called home to our Lord on the birthday of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Christmas Day, December 25, 2020.
Helen was born in 1926 and raised in the small town of Karachun, Poland. In 1943 Helen was sent to Germany to work in forced labor camps until after the end of World War II. In October, 1946, she married Zygmunt Sagan while in Germany. They lived in refugee camps with up to three families in a one room dwelling. Life was not easy and full of hardships, but they persevered. With great courage, Helen and Zygmunt emigrated to Canada and eventually to the United States, settling in Cohoes in 1957.
Helen was a very hard worker. She was one of the first recipients of Forced Labor Compensation from the German Government. In the United States, she worked piecework in the garment industry for over 30 years. With Zygmunt, she provided a wonderful life, filled with every opportunity, for her children. Helen was a humble, kind and gentle person who always put everyone’s needs ahead of her own. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother (Babcia), and great-grandmother.
Helen’s home was spotless as she took great pride in its cleanliness. And, even though she did not know how to cook when she was first married, over the years she became an excellent cook. Monday night dinners at “Babcia’s” were a special treat for her local grandsons and great-grandchildren, a tradition she carried on for many years. One of the best Christmas gifts her children, grandchildren and their families ever received from her was a cook book of her favorite recipes.
Helen was a very religious woman and her faith was very important to her. She was an active member of the Rosary Society and choir of St. Michael’s Church in Cohoes and was also a longtime member of the Polish National Alliance Group 1684 in Cohoes.
Helen was predeceased by her beloved husband, Zygmunt, in 2010, after 64 years of marriage, parents, Franciszek and Julianna Burzynski, and brother, Karol Burzynski.
She is survived by and will be greatly missed by her children: Donna (David) Lord, Troy; John (Karen) Sagan, Johnstown; grandchildren: Adam (Meghan) Lord; Eric (Andrea) Lord; Mark (Kelly) Sagan, Michael Sagan, David (Danielle) Sagan, and Matthew Sagan; great-grandchildren Jack and Noah Lord; Aivlinn and James Lord, Claire and Kate Sagan; several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Due to the continued health concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no public visitation or funeral services for Helen at this time. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated for immediate family only.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to St. Michael’s Church, 20 Page Ave., Cohoes, NY 12047.
Helen was born in 1926 and raised in the small town of Karachun, Poland. In 1943 Helen was sent to Germany to work in forced labor camps until after the end of World War II. In October, 1946, she married Zygmunt Sagan while in Germany. They lived in refugee camps with up to three families in a one room dwelling. Life was not easy and full of hardships, but they persevered. With great courage, Helen and Zygmunt emigrated to Canada and eventually to the United States, settling in Cohoes in 1957.
Helen was a very hard worker. She was one of the first recipients of Forced Labor Compensation from the German Government. In the United States, she worked piecework in the garment industry for over 30 years. With Zygmunt, she provided a wonderful life, filled with every opportunity, for her children. Helen was a humble, kind and gentle person who always put everyone’s needs ahead of her own. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother (Babcia), and great-grandmother.
Helen’s home was spotless as she took great pride in its cleanliness. And, even though she did not know how to cook when she was first married, over the years she became an excellent cook. Monday night dinners at “Babcia’s” were a special treat for her local grandsons and great-grandchildren, a tradition she carried on for many years. One of the best Christmas gifts her children, grandchildren and their families ever received from her was a cook book of her favorite recipes.
Helen was a very religious woman and her faith was very important to her. She was an active member of the Rosary Society and choir of St. Michael’s Church in Cohoes and was also a longtime member of the Polish National Alliance Group 1684 in Cohoes.
Helen was predeceased by her beloved husband, Zygmunt, in 2010, after 64 years of marriage, parents, Franciszek and Julianna Burzynski, and brother, Karol Burzynski.
She is survived by and will be greatly missed by her children: Donna (David) Lord, Troy; John (Karen) Sagan, Johnstown; grandchildren: Adam (Meghan) Lord; Eric (Andrea) Lord; Mark (Kelly) Sagan, Michael Sagan, David (Danielle) Sagan, and Matthew Sagan; great-grandchildren Jack and Noah Lord; Aivlinn and James Lord, Claire and Kate Sagan; several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Due to the continued health concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no public visitation or funeral services for Helen at this time. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated for immediate family only.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to St. Michael’s Church, 20 Page Ave., Cohoes, NY 12047.