Helen (Skiba) Prokop

Helen (Skiba) Prokop, of Ludlow, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 26, 2020. Helen was born in Chicopee on July 3, 1923 to the late Stanley and Frances (Baniuch) Skiba. She was the loving wife of the late Lt. Edwin J. Prokop to whom she was married for 63 years. She attended St. Stanislaus Grammar School and was a graduate of Cathedral High School. She worked in the cash office at Bradlees Department Store for 17 years. She was a parishioner of Christ the King Church and was a long time member of the choir there.

Helen is survived by her son “Jake” Edwin Prokop Jr. and his wife Jeannine; grandchildren Jada Devlin, Jessica (Justin) Hebb, Mark Ottani, Todd (Megan) Prokop, and Dr. Allison Prokop; and great grandchildren Teaghan and Taryn Devlin, Heath, Jude, and Henry Hebb, and Ezra Prokop.

She is also survived by several nieces and nephews; Christine Wojtowicz of Kentucky, Carol (Leon) Marier, Janet (Boyd) LaChance, Barbara (George) Stolgitis, Lisa (David) Boisvere, Marlene (Craig) Layman, Michael Gubola, Henry Skiba II, and David (Elizabeth) Eurkus.

Helen was predeceased by her loving husband, as well as her son Ronald, and her daughter Judith. She was also predeceased by her five brothers, Fr. Prosper Skiba OFMC, John, Thomas (Helen), Fr. Andrew Skiba OFMC, and Henry Skiba, her sister Sophie Wojtowicz, and her nephew Ricky.

Helen was the matriarch of her family. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was kind and loving, and was an amazing pierogi maker who taught this tradition to her children and grandchildren. She will be remembered for her kindness, her patience, her generosity, and her strength.

A Memorial Mass will be held at a later date. Donations in Helen’s memory may be made to Christ the King Church Perpetual Adoration Chapel, 41 Warsaw Avenue, Ludlow, MA 01056.