Obituary of Lt Col USAF Helen Marie Felczak-Willis

Helen Marie Felczak Willis, Lt Col USAF, (Retired), 97, of Goshen died Friday, January 17, 2014 at Elant in Goshen, NY. Helen was born January 4, 1917 in Goshen, NY, the daughter of the late Antone and Mary Hetman Felczak. She was predeceased by sisters; Anna Malanowski, Mary Morgiewicz Olszewski, Rose Felczak, Dorothy Myruski, and Catherine Noviski; and brothers, Monsignor John S. Felczak, Joseph Felczak and Bernard Myruski Jr. She is survived by many nieces and nephews. She served as an officer in the US Air Force for most of her career; however, she entered active duty in 1941 with the US Army. During World War II, she served an overseas tour in the European Theater of Operations. She served a subsequent overseas tour in Germany and one in France. Most of her assignments during her military career were as an Operating Room Nurse. Helen was awarded the Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Army of Occupation Medal (Germany), World War II Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award with 4 bronze oak leaf clusters, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal. She had an illustrious Air Force career and retired in 1964 as a Lieutenant Colonel. After her retirement from the USAF, she spent many years in Florida enjoying the warm weather and time with her friends and visits from her family. She then returned to Goshen, NY to spend time with her family. Visitation will be Saturday, January 25 from 10:30 to 12:00 PM at the Donovan Funeral Home, Inc, 82 South Church Street, Goshen, NY. A Funeral Mass will be held 12:30 am on Saturday, January 25 at St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church, 71 Murray Ave, Goshen, NY. Burial will follow in Orange County Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, Goshen. Arrangements are under the care of the Donovan Funeral Home, Inc., Goshen, NY. To leave the family a personal condolence please visit: www.donovanfunerals.com. condolence please visit: www.donovanfunerals.com.