Helen R. Dende

Helen R. Dende, Dunmore, passed away at home on June 5, 2023 after a long, beautiful life. She

was surrounded by the love and support of her family. She was a dedicated wife of 57 years to

the late Raymond Dende until his death in 2005.

Born in Wilkes Barre, on November 1, 1927, Helen was the daughter of the late Frank and

Clementine Rafalko. She was a woman of strong, unwavering faith and a long-time member of

St. Clare Church in Scranton. Prior to retirement Helen worked in the Development Office at

Scranton Preparatory School. For many years, she taught Polish language classes in the area.

Helen was a beautifully passionate and resilient woman. She was a voracious reader and avid

gardener. Her yard filled her life with color. Our Mom had the courage of a warrior and

determination like no other. She was devoted to her family and immensely proud of their

accomplishments. Although she will be sorely missed, her family is comforted in knowing that

her soul is now peacefully resting in heaven.

Surviving are her loving children, Christine Averto, (Rocco) Jefferson Township, Dr. Paul

Dende (Shelley), Gettysburg, and Denise Dende, Portland, ME, four grandchildren, Alicia

Boniewicz (John), Dunmore, Michael Averto (Karissa) Brooklyn, NY, Elizabeth O’Conor (Jay),

Lutherwood MD, and Mark Dende USMC, 29 Palms, CA, six great-grandchildren, Brielle and

Casen Boniewicz, Aiden and Dean Averto, Vandra and Grace O’Conor, and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Mark, a sister, Bertha Kukoski, and three

brothers, Stanley, Edward, and Charles Rafalko.

A special thank you to the wonderful home health staff, Hospice of the Sacred Heart nurses and

Helen’s special caregivers, Corinne and Christine.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday at 11AM in St. Clare Church, 2301 North

Washington Avenue, Scranton. Interment in Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Cemetery, Davis

Street,Scranton.

Friends may call Monday at the church from 10AM until the time of mass.

Arrangements entrusted to Savino Traditional Funerals & Cremation Care, Carl J. Savino, Jr.,

Supervisor. To offer the family an online condolence, visit www.NEPAfuneralhome.com

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