ADAMS, Mass. —Mrs. Helen Carolyn (Michalski) Koperniak, 95, of Adams died peacefully Thursday morning, April 9, 2026, at her home with family by her side. She was born in Adams on May 29, 1930, a daughter of the late Michael and Carolina (Flaga) Michalski.

She grew up on a farm in East Cheshire and took great pride in her parents' and brothers’ relentless dedication to making a living. Many wonderful childhood memories resulted in the daily activities surrounding the Michalski Farm. Helen attended a one-room schoolhouse in Cheshire before going on to graduate from the former Adams High School with the class of 1948. She was a communicant of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, Adams, where she was active in many social functions held there, including being a participant in the Vigil to keep the church open. Helen was an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing many Polish dishes, much to her family's delight.

She was proud of her Polish heritage and instilled those values in her children and grandchildren. Her best display of this was her love of Polka dancing where she frequently attended many affairs at the Polanka and other gatherings throughout Western Massachusetts. Helen was her family's greatest cheerleader. No matter what the sport, she was always there to cheer them on with great excitement and vigor. She always had a schedule of their games, and if she couldn't be present, she would listen to them on the radio or television. Helen was always up for new adventures, such as traveling abroad in the 90's to Italy and England to be with family and to take in the sites as well. Cape Cod was also a favorite destination with her husband.

Helen worked as a laboratory technician for the former W.R. Grace Company in Adams for 35 years until retiring on April 17, 1992. She was a member of the St. John Paul II Rosary Sodality, The Polish Women's Alliance, The Polish National Alliance, St. Michael's Society, and the WR Grace Quarter Century Club.

Her husband, Casimer Koperniak, whom she married on October 30, 1948, died on February 16, 1988. She is survived by her daughters, Susan Szpila and Barbara Ameen (Edward), both of Cheshire, and her sons, Michael Koperniak (Margaret), and Christopher Koperniak (Diane), both of Adams. She leaves behind ten grandchildren; Kristina, Kate, Liza, Omar, Kassim, Jonathan, Jason, Casey, Michael and Matthew, and 15 great-grandchildren whom she totally adored and was truly devoted to them all."5he was pre-deceased by her son-in-law, Kenneth Szpila, her brothers, William, Stanley, Edward, Chester, Walter, and Francis Michalski, and her sister Anna Mach.

We would like to especially thank our mother's caregiver, Julia, who was truly devoted to her and always a bright and shining star in her presence, and we.would also like to thank Hospice Care of the Berkshires who administered to our mother and kept her comfortable in her final days.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 15th at 10:00 AM in St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, Adams. Burial will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery. Calling hours in the PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac St. Adams, will take place on Tuesday from 4 to 6 PM. Memorial donations may be made to the SSK Preservation Fund, PO Box 328, Adams, MA 01220. To leave a message of condolence, or for directions, please go to www.paciorekfuneral.com