Helen K. Ruest

Naugatuck, CT   Helen K. Ruest, 93, the widow of Norman J. Ruest, whom she was married to for 59 years, died peacefully on August 28, 2025 at the VITAS Inpatient Hospice Unit at St. Mary’s Hospital.

Helen was born August 26, 1932 in Hamtramck, Michigan daughter of the late Anthony and Mary (Korowski) Kurylak, but was raised by her grandparents, Marcel and Katherine Jeznach. Helen lived in Naugatuck most of her life and graduated from Naugatuck High School, Class of 1950. Helen worked for 27 years as an inspector at Pratt & Whitney in North Haven, retiring in 1999. Helen was a faithful and dedicated member of Holy Saviour Polish National Catholic Church. She was also a member of the Naugatuck Women’s Club, the Polish American Women’s Association and the Naugatuck Y.M.C.A. Helen volunteered at the Naugatuck Ecumenical Food Bank and she enjoyed puzzling, sewing, card playing and following UConn Women’s Basketball and the WNBA.

Helen is survived by her daughters, Pamela A. Ruest (Jeff) of State College, PA and Laurie E. Rogers (Dave) of Naugatuck, CT; her son, Rick N. Ruest (Julie) of Prospect, CT; her grandchildren, Elena A. Rogers of Spokane Valley, WA, Kayla A. Rogers of Naugatuck, CT, Rick N. Ruest, Jr. and Brooke K. Ruest both of Prospect, CT and her great granddaughter, Tessa Shea Maisto of Naugatuck, CT.

Helen’s Funeral will be Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 10:00am at Holy Saviour Polish National Catholic Church, 118 Prospect Street, Naugatuck. Burial will follow at Holy Saviour Cemetery, New Haven Road, Naugatuck. Calling hours are Tuesday, September 2, 2025 from 5:00 to 7:00pm at the Buckmiller Ford Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Avenue, Naugatuck. In lieu of flowers and to honor Helen’s memory, donations are requested to Holy Saviour Polish National Catholic Church, 118 Prospect Street, Naugatuck, CT 06770 or to the Naugatuck Y.M.C.A., 284 Church Street, Naugatuck, CT 06770.