Helen M. Ciesla Docknevich, 89, of North Haven passed away peacefully on Monday, August 29, 2016 at the Connecticut Hospice, Branford.  She was the beloved wife of the late Samuel Docknevich.  Helen was born in New Haven on March 26, 1927; daughter of the late Thomas J. and Nellie Wnek Ciesla; enjoyed bowling, playing cards with her friends, especially pinochle.  Mother of Samuel Docknevich (Laurie), Deborah Howe (Richard) and the late Richard J. Docknevich.  Grandmother of Rebecca Ann Howe Kraus (Alex), Kate Patricia Docknevich Brasile (Gerald), Rachel Deborah Howe and Eric Samuel Docknevich.  Sister of John Ciesla (Barbara) and the late Anne Guarnieri, Walter and Thomas S. Ciesla, Jean Dobek and Joseph Ciesla.

Family and friends are invited to go directly to St. Stephen’s Church, 400 Ridge Road, Hamden on Friday morning at 10:00 to attend a Mass of Christian burial and are also invited to attend the committal services immediately following in All Saints Cemetery.  There will be no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Special Olympic’s Connecticut, 2666 State Street, Suite 1, Hamden, CT  06517. The North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue has been entrusted with the arrangements.