Helen (Jwaskiewicz) Rajca, 92, of Deerfield, formerly of Mathews Ave., Utica, passed away Thursday, December 18, 2008, at the Katherine Luther Home, where she was currently in rehabilitation. Helen was born in Fort Plain, NY, on March 15, 1916, a daughter of the late John and Sophie (Stepajtis) Jwaskiewicz. She was raised and received her education in Herkimer, NY. She was married to Stanley J. Rajca. He passed away on July 3, 1991. After her children were grown, Helen was employed in the produce department of Chicago Market Grocery Store on Mohawk St. in Utica, a job she really enjoyed. She was a member of the former Sacred Heart Church, Utica. Helen enjoyed cooking and baking, especially her delicious pies, sewing and embroidering, but most of all she loved to iron and was excellent at it. She was very happy to iron clothes for her family. Helen is survived by her four cherished children and spouses, Patricia Zaccari, Deerfield, with whom Helen lived, Charlotte and Michael Tatta, Barnegat, NJ, John and Janice Rajca, Lake Pleasant, NY, and Elaine Rajca, Little Egg Harbor, NJ; a son-in-law, Eugene McCarthy, FL; 15 beloved grandchildren, Neil (Deborah) Zaccari, Christopher Zaccari, Melissa (David) Bramble, Mary Elizabeth Zaccari, Laura (Christopher) Frantela, Kimberly (Gilbert) McDaniel, Kevin (Tarrah) McCarthy, David (Olga) Tatta, Stephanie Tatta (Kevin Flaherty), Shelly (Andy) Weaver, Heath (Sadie) Speece, Melissa Speece, David (Shannon) Speece, John Mark Rajca, and Steven Rajca; a loving sister, Jennie Szarejko, Herkimer; and a sister-in-law, Mildred Jwaskiewicz, Herkimer. She is also survived by 22 great-grandchildren; and cousins, nieces, with special recognition to Eileen Schack, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Helen was predeceased by her beloved daughter, Loretta McCarthy in 2006; a son-in-law, Samuel Zaccari in 1986; three beloved grandchildren, Susan Winick in 1996, John McCarthy in 2002 and Matthew Rajca in 2006; a brother, Joseph Jwaskiewicz in 1996; and a brother-in-law, Andrew Szarejko in 2001. Mrs. Rajca's funeral will be held on Monday, December 22, 2008, at 12:15 from the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica, and at 1:00 at The Church of The Sacred Heart and St. Mary Our Lady of Czestochowa, New York Mills, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. A spring burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer, NY. Calling hours at the funeral home are Monday morning from 10:00 to 12:15. Those so wishing may make donations to the memorial fund of the church in Helen's memory or the American Heart Association. On behalf of Helen, the family extends their thanks and gratitude to all those who cared for her during her illness and gave her compassionate and loving care.