Obituary of Helen Karlonas

Helen Karlonas of New Britain passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 21 at Walnut Hill Care Center. She was born in and attended school in New Britain. She was the widow of Alexander P. Karlonas. Helen was a faithful communicant of St. Andrews Church, where she gave much of her time; she was a member of The Ladies Guild as well as other societies. She was a licensed Nursing Home Administrator, and with her husband had acquired several Nursing Homes in Connecticut. She was affectionately known as "Mrs. K" to her employees. After her husband passed away, Helen and her brother, Dr. Donald Griggs of New Britain, built the Walnut Hill Care Center and serviced the community of New Britain. Her life was dedicated to this profession. Prior to her involvement with nursing homes, Helen was a licensed funeral director and along with her husband, owned and operated the Karlonas Funeral Home in New Britain. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Donald Griggs and Ann Griggs of New Britain; her niece Annmarie Griggs of Beverly Hills, CA, and nephews Donald Griggs, Jr. and Christopher Griggs of Kensington. She also leaves a sister-in-law, Ann Wise of New Britain, and Ann's three sons Robert, Raymond, and Phillip Wise, and nephews Dr. Richard Dean of Branford, Atty. John Dziekan of Southington, and nieces Janet Craven of California and Susan Reese of Burlington. Family and friends may pay their respects Tuesday November 23 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Farrell Funeral Home located at 110 Franklin Square in New Britain. Funeral mass will be held Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Andrew Church on Church St. in New Britain, followed by burial service at St. Mary's Cemetery located on Stanley Street.