Helen Placzkiewicz Leon

Our family lost a lovely, and beloved woman on December 2, 2021. Helen Leon, a long-time resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico, died peacefully at home surrounded by family. Helen was born to Polish immigrants, Stanley and Sophie (Wieczorek) Placzkiewicz on February 18, 1929, in Toledo, Ohio.  Helen was a loyal friend, loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, Buscia and "Bo" to her great-grandchildren, aunt, and godmother.

Helen first attended Parkland Elementary School in Toledo, later transferring to St. Adalbert's Catholic School. She loved the traditions of the church, singing in the choir, and especially loved interacting with the nuns. She attended Woodward High School where she was a majorette, and met her future husband, William "Bill" Leon. Helen and Bill married in 1948, and enjoyed their time as a young married couple in Virginia, where Bill was stationed at Ft. Eustis (U.S. Army), and Helen held an administrative position on base. Back in Toledo, the couple enjoyed their large extended family and many friends.

Helen was a Room Mother at Shoreland Elementary School where her children attended. She also organized a fashion show and luncheon fundraiser for the school's Mother's Club. Helen loved to bowl, golf, decorate her home, sew costumes, and create accessories and doll clothes for her children. While in Toledo she worked at Houghton Elevator and Inland Chemical/Van Waters & Rogers and was a lifetime member of the Eastern Stars.

In 1983 Helen, Bill and Nancy moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico to be near their daughter Toni and her growing family. Helen eventually transferred back to Van Waters & Rogers, where she managed inside sales. Helen was an active member of Cross of Hope Lutheran Church participating in the Newsletter Production and Mailing Committee where she enjoyed fun and fellowship with some of her closest friends. Helen was an avid golfer and bowler with friends from church, and took dance and water aerobics classes with other area seniors. In her final years daughter Nancy stayed with Helen so that she was able to be in her own home until her death.

She is survived by her brother Robert Placzkiewicz and wife Kathleen (her other "Sister"), daughters Toni Leon Kovarik and husband David, and Nancy Leon; grandchildren Adam Kovarik and wife Meghan; Lauren Kovarik and wife Sara Jones; and four great-grandchildren Emerson, Nolan and Elliot Kovarik and Ewan Jones. She is also survived by her first cousins in Poland, Stanislaw Placzkiewicz and wife Alina, Marianna Wielgopolan and husband Marion, and Barbara Kubiak and husband Zdzyislaw, and many other dear family and friends.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband William "Bill" Leon, parents, and four siblings, Harry and wife Adeline Parker, Virginia Pajak and husband Edmund "Foof", Eleanor Fulop and husband Ernest, and Chester and first wife Lottie and second wife Alberta.

The family would like to thank the Presbyterian Home Hospice Team lead by Erica for their excellent care of our mother and family. To all of the friends and family who prayed for us, fed us, sat with Mom, and sent cards and good wishes, we thank you.

Please join us as we honor our mother, Helen Placzkiewicz Leon with a celebration of life Service at Cross of Hope Church, 6104 Taylor Ranch Rd. NW. on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 11:00 am.  A light lunch will follow at the church. We would love to share this time with you.

For further information, you can contact Toni at 505-918-3577 or the church office at 505-897-0047.

Any donations you may wish to make in Helen's name can be made to the Alzheimer's Association of New Mexico, PO Box 21400, Albuquerque, NM 87154; or Cross of Hope Lutheran Church's Good Samaritan Fund, 6104 Taylor Ranch Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120.