Obituary of Helen Y Hayward

On August 29, 2018, Helen Yadwiga (Zak) Hayward passed through the gates of heaven into God’s loving arms welcoming his newest Angel. She has joined her loving husband Joseph Hayward for the rest of eternity. Born in Eleanorowka, Poland, she was the daughter of the late Wawrzeniec and Ann (Prezbinda) Zak. At a young age, when WWII broke out, Helen and her family were forced out of their home by the Russians who took then through the Soviet Union to Siberia and the Middle East. Helen enlisted into the Polish Army in Egypt. When the war ended Helen emigrated to Iran where she worked on the US Army base in Tehran, where she met her future husband. In 1945 she became a War Bride to her American Soldier husband. She traveled to the United States to start a new life. They settled in Peabody, MA where they started a family and lived for 72 years. Helen endured so much pain, heartache, sickness and loss of her family members, she rose above all this with more courage and strength. Her children were truly blessed to have such an amazing mom. Helen’s passion was her family. She enjoyed crocheting, cooking and entertaining, especially during the holidays. She had a smile for everyone and a truly loving heart. She captured the hearts of everyone who came into her life. Helen was an inspiration to many. She loved unconditionally and will be missed dearly by all. Helen just celebrated her 96th birthday with her family by her side. She was predeceased by her husband Joseph of 44 years, her eldest son Stephen, her brothers John Zak and his wife Yadwiga, Stefan Zak, her sisters, Kathy Zak and Aniela and her husband Joseph. Helen leaves behind her loving family. Her loving daughter, Elizabeth Grosiak of Kittery, ME, her 2 loving sons, John and his wife Cynthia of Seabrook, NH, and Gary and his wife Lori of West Peabody, and her daughter-in-law, Mariellen Hayward of Peabody. She also leaves behind her six grandchildren, Michael and his wife Kerri, Matthew and his wife Kim, Shawn and his wife Jackie, Lisa Grosiak, Lori Desjardinsand and her husband Hermel and Emma Hayward, 14 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Also, her dear sister-in-law Yadwiga Zak. The family expresses their appreciation to the entire staff of the Clipper Harbor Nursing home for their kindness, care and support during the last 3 years of her life.