Camille Kaleczyc, 92, of Helena and formerly of Philadelphia, died on December 21, 2016, surrounded by family members.
She was born on March 25, 1924, in Philadelphia, the daughter of John and Wanda Pelszynski. Camille grew up in Philadelphia, the third of seven children, in a bilingual household speaking both Polish and English. She remained fluent in Polish throughout her life.
After World War II, she married her husband, Stanley. Together they owned a neighborhood grocery store in Philadelphia for 18 years. When the store closed, she went to work for the Internal Revenue Service as a corporate tax examiner until her retirement. Stanley preceded her in death on December 22, 1985.
Camille, a life-long Democrat, had a continuing interest in current events and politics. Throughout her life, she collected china and porcelain, which remained prized possessions. She and Stanley also enjoyed hosting large family gatherings during the holidays and for special occasions, where the food was plentiful and often featured dishes from their Polish heritage. She took great pride in her housekeeping and decorating her home for the holidays. She was an avid shopper and enjoyed crafts. She also took pride in being a member of St. Helena Cathedral parish.
In 1998, Camille moved to Helena to be closer to her family. She is survived by her son, Stan, and daughter-in-law, Holly, as well as three grandchildren, Jenny Kaleczyc (Joe Menden) of Helena; Andy (Lisa) Kaleczyc, currently living in Seoul, South Korea; and John (Emily) Kaleczyc, of Helena. She is also survived by six great grandchildren, Annie and Will Menden of Helena, and Elle, Jack, Katherine and Grace Kaleczyc of Seoul, with a seventh expected in early 2017.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and five of her brothers and sisters. She is also survived by her brother, Renald Pelszynski of Philadelphia, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Camille will be Thursday, January 5, 2017, at noon at the Cathedral of St. Helena. A reception will follow the service in the Brondel Center of the Cathedral. Interment will be in Philadelphia alongside her husband, Stanley.
Please see below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Camille.
Ann Komac says
Stan.
You and your family are in my heart, mind and prayers. My deepest condolences on the passing of your mother.
jeff and melissa sherlock says
Stan, we did not know your mom, but you are the best epitaph that could be written about her; best regards, melissa and jeff
Linda Paulsen says
Stan and family, my deepest condolences on the passing of Camille. She was a great neighbor and my grandkids loved going to see her. She always had treats for them! I loved her feistiness!!! I’m so glad I visited her on the 13th before she passed. You are all in my prayers.
Vonnie Jenkins says
Stan, Holly & family. I’m so sorry for your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs to you all.
Vonnie
Maria says
Stan and family, Camille was an amazing lady. I had the pleasure of working with her while she had a stay at Apple Cooney Rehab prior to moving to Touchmark. I worked the graveyard shift and oh the late nights we would spend talking were so wonderful . I told Camille she was an Angel that I felt the Lord brought into my life, because here I was a CNA who was there to take care of her (and I did) but it was Camille that helped me through an emotional rough time I was having in my life. She told me “you know its never really the situation that is at hand, it is the attitude you approach the situation with” and with those simple kind loving words she helped me turn around what I felt was a pretty rough situation at the time into a time of feeling truly blessed and grateful!! I am so sorry for your loss, as I said she was an angel on earth and will now be an angel who has gone home.
Maggie Pelszynski says
Stan and Holly- your mom was my favorite aunt as you know. I look more like her than my own mom, that Pelszynski nose is a very strong genetic trait! I have so many fond and warm memories growing up and visiting your home. Aunt Camille was and is terrific. She was a true role model to me. I am forever grateful for the times I had to spend laughing and learning from your Mom! She is in my heart and prayers.
Rusty & Pat Callbeck Harper says
Stan and Holly — we send our love and support as you celebrate your mom’s life. She must have been wonderful, to have a son like you.