Helen Lipski (née Maszkowski), age 79, of Palatine, IL, passed away after a long and fierce battle with cancer. Surrounded by her loving family and supported by Unity Hospice, Helen was able to spend her final days at home. Born May 12, 1945, to Stanislawa Maszkowska and Joseph Delafoy in Ebenried, a work camp in the Bavarian region of Germany. Helen came into this world under unimaginable circumstances. In 1943, her family was taken by the Germans after fleeing from their home in Wołyn Poland and spent two years in forced labor camps. In early 1945, before her birth and liberation of the camps, Helen's father was removed from the camps and sent away without ever meeting his daughter. Liberation of the camps came just two weeks before her birth. Following their liberation, Helen and her family spent six years in the Foldafing refugee camp. Tragically, severe illness claimed the lives of her younger sister and later her mother, leaving Helen orphaned. Helen was then adopted by her uncle, Stanislaw Maszkowski and his family in order to be allowed to immigrate to the United States with the rest of her family.

After immigrating to the United States in 1951, Helen was enrolled in school at St. Fidelis, where, despite not speaking English, she quickly excelled academically. Her favorite subject was English, and she soon became the official translator for her parents. Free time was spent tutoring, babysitting younger cousins or doing chores and taking care of her siblings while her parents worked hard to build a life in a new country.

Helen later attended Josephinum High School in Chicago, where she continued to nurture her love of learning. She learned to type, a skill that gave her a long and fulfilling career as a secretary. High school years were filled with wonderful memories of going to prom, working at
Woolworth's and socializing with friends.

Keeping close to her Polish heritage, Helen participated in many cultural events. It was at a Polish Ball during her senior year of high school that Helen met her future husband, Casimir (Casey) Lipski. They married in 1965 with very humble beginnings, but rich with many friends. Together they worked hard to support their 3 daughters and send them to Catholic school, as well as Polish school on weekends. Helen was blessed to be able to quit working and dedicate herself to raise her family, fostering a love of baking, cooking and hosting gatherings. During her early years in marriage, she became part of a monthly gathering with childhood and high school friends famously known as "The Card Club", where the loud laughter was just as memorable as the games.

In later years, Helen felt the courage to search for her biological father, Joseph Delafoy. Although her efforts to find her father came too late, she was rewarded with the discovery of 13 siblings in France - a connection that became an indescribable treasure for her. Helen embraced her "French family" with deep love and affection, proudly sharing stories about them with anyone who would listen. Eager to strengthen this bond, she even enrolled in French classes to better communicate with her newfound siblings.

Helen and Casey enjoyed their golden years traveling with friends all over the U.S. and Europe. Helen deeply loved her friends and family and lived life to its fullest, never slowing down-not with age nor sickness. Helen was endlessly cleaning, cooking and tending to her family, which eventually grew to include nine grandchildren. She will forever be known for her tireless work ethic, determination (or as some might say, stubbornness) generosity and faith.

Devoted wife of Casimir Lipski; beloved mother of Eva (Andy) Lukasziewicz, Monica (Stephen) Bonnell, Anita (Santo) Costabile; dearest grandmother to Julia, Joshua, Olivia, Cecilia, Sophia, Antonio, Marco and Sofia and the late Gabrielle; Adored sister of Irene (Richard) Lokcik, the late Regina Szarzynski, the late Krystina (Frank) Petruzza; cherished sister of the Delafoy family, Guillin (Denise), Christian Delafoy, Marie (Jean), Yvette (Michael), Colette (Denis), Martine (Roger), Edith (Maurice), Evelyn (Marcel), Dominique (Gerard), Jean-Pierre (Veronique), Isabelle
(Christopher), the late Jean-Claude (Martine) and Patrick (Regine); cherished aunt, cousin and friend to many.

Visitation Friday January 3, 2025 from 4 PM until 8 PM at Skaja Terrace Funeral Home, 7812 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles IL. Lying in State on Saturday form 9 AM until the time of Funeral Mass 10 AM at St. Colette Church, 3900 Meadow Dr., Rolling Meadows IL. Entombment Maryhill Mausoleum. Funeral info: 847-966-7302.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital