Helen K. Papa

Helen K. Papa, 91, of West Palm Beach Florida, went home to the loving arms of Jesus on Monday, April 15^th surrounded by the love of her family. Born in New Britain, CT on December 1, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Aniela (Korytko) Kurasinski.

Helen was predeceased by her loving husband Domenic A. Papa and three brothers John, Joseph, and Stanley Kurasinksi. Along with her beloved dog Holly, she leaves behind her three children, Domenic W. Papa and his wife Emily and two daughters Haley and Alexandra of North Palm Beach, Florida, Kenneth J. Papa and his wife, Lizbeth of Avon, CT and daughter Lisa P. Thiesfeldt and her husband Todd of Jupiter, FL and Farmington CT along with her beloved grandchildren Lauren (Papa) and husband Kevin Kasner and their children Nicholas and Dominic and Julie Thiesfeldt of Manhattan, NY, and Dana-Leigh Thiesfeldt of Orlando, FL. She also leaves behind her caregivers Robin Hollbrook of Leesburg, FL and Darline Meija of West Palm Beach, FL to which the family is eternally grateful for the love and compassion they provided to her in her final years.

Helen spent her retirement years as a snowbird between her homes in Farmington and West Palm Beach. Prior to retirement she loved first and foremost her job as a mother and grandmother and next to the over 20 years in the Recovery Room at New Britain General Hospital. She worked at the Stanley Golf Course in New Britain in her teenage years and was a Majorette for the NBHS Marching Band. Helen was a fantastic cook and enjoyed sharing her Polish heritage with her famous pierogis and Easter Borscht. Her spaghetti sauce and homemade pizza was loved by her family honoring her husband’s Italian heritage. Her love of travel has been an inspiration to her family. She was an avid golfer and belonged to The County Club of Farmington, Farmington, CT, and Bear Lakes Country Club of West Palm Beach, FL, where she made a Hole in One. She gave up the game to the younger generation at 85 and inspired her family to enjoy the game for years to come. She belonged to many clubs and organization during her life and her competitive spirit came through as she was crowned the Powder Puff Champion during her years of Jeep racing with the New England 4x4 Club. She loved watching football on Sundays and could be heard yelling at the TV. Helen could always be found supporting her granddaughters at dance recitals and on the soccer and lacrosse fields.  Anyone who met Helen immediately loved her as she only saw the good in people. Her cheery, “Don’t worry, you will get a turn” will be missed by her children and grandchildren.  She was a devout Catholic and prayed daily.  

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of the following charities: (i) because of Helen’s love for animals to: Furryfriendsadoptions.org (a member of the Humane Society) of Jupiter, FL or (ii) as a three-time breast cancer survivor to: www.komen.org.