Helen Przepiorka Stuart (1921 – 2026)

Helen Przepiorka Stuart, daughter of the late Jacob & Margaret Przepiorka, died at Lynn Care Center in Front Royal, VA, on March 6, 2026, having lived a full life to the age of 104.

Helen Przepiorka Stuart

Helen was a local resident for more than 35 years, but her journey started in Düsseldorf, Germany, on March 24, 1921. Helen and her family endured the horrors of the Holocaust, and she was sent to England by her parents to survive further persecution at the age of 18.

She lived in England for almost 20 years, and in 1957, emigrated to the United States to be closer to her sister (Esther Pfeffer), brother-in-law (Hans Pfeffer), and her nieces.  She worked and lived in Manhattan, first working for Fannie Farmer Chocolates, and later as a secretary at Noble & Noble publishers (later Barnes & Noble)  For the family in New York, Aunt Helen was the only extended family they had–she was, as her nieces have said, the grandparents, aunts, and cousins they were denied by the Holocaust.  When “Auntie Helen” arrived, often with chocolates, it was a magical event.

In the 1970,s Helen relocated, along with the multi-faith religious group Subud, to the peaceful countryside of Shenandoah County.  When the Skymont group eventually disbanded, Helen liked the area too much to leave. During this time, she found her calling, trained to become a Certified Home Health Nurse’s Aide, and worked to care for elderly patients both privately and in local nursing homes until her retirement.

Helen’s love of animals meant she nearly always had at least one dog or cat to care for; she always rescued animals.  She also loved nature and enjoyed the view from her windows, facing the trees at Massanutten Manor Circle.

Helen is survived by her sister, Rosel Eland, residing in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and by her niece and nephews in Brazil, and by her three nieces, who live in New Jersey & Delaware, who helped her mark her many milestone birthdays, as well as by a number of grand nieces and nephews, both in this country and in Brazil.

The family would like to express special thanks to Rosa Cadet and her family:  Rosa was Aunt Helen’s caregiver, friend, and guardian angel through the last years of her life–giving her care, laughs, singing in harmony to music, and an abundance of kindness, and Rosa’s family, who all called her “Aunt Helen” and who welcomed her warmly into their home, and to the residents of Massanutten Manor with whom she spent happy hours.

Our profound and everlasting gratitude goes to her long-faithful and loyal friends from Valley Assembly of God Church in Middletown, Renee Perry, and Emogene Ringer. Helen was blessed with these very special and dear friends who steadfastly enriched her life.  “He who finds a friend finds a treasure.”

Inurnment will be at the Prospect Hill Cemetery in Front Royal, VA, on March 23 at 11:00 a.m. A repast will follow at Valley Assembly of God, 2346 4th Str., Middletown, Va.  Helen asked that anyone who wishes to remember her with a memorial donation, to please send it to the Humane Society of Warren County, 1245 Progress Dr, Front Royal, VA 22630.

May your soul rest well, dear Auntie Helen.  We will remember you.

Janet Vignola, Margie Pfaff, and Ellen Lafargue.