Helena M. Szymczak
Our beloved mother, Helena Szymczak, age 95, passed away peacefully in her home with her family by her side on Wednesday, September 1st, 2021.
Helena was born November 4th, 1925, in Nine Mile, (Pinconning) Michigan to George and Clara (Loufer) Gerhardt. She worked and lived on the family farm which she thoroughly loved until she married her school sweetheart, Chester Szymczak, on September 13, 1947. They were married 44 years when Chester passed away on March 19th, 1991.
Helena and Chester moved into town and bought a house where they lived for the remainder of their lives. Helena enjoyed taking care of her house, garage and yard. She worked at the Pinconning High School, St. Agnes Church and Northern Tube. Wherever she worked, she put her whole heart into everything she did. Helena was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church, St. Agnes Altar Society and Holy Trinity Catholic Church. She deeply loved God and her Catholic Faith.
Helena treasured, above all, her family and dear friends. Her favorite thing by far, was spending time with them. She enjoyed visits to her children’s homes and helping them with projects around the house and yard. When someone came to visit, she often made their favorite meal and always made that person feel special. She sent a Hallmark card to everyone in her life for every birthday, anniversary, and other occasions. The card would arrive a week early and almost always included a letter or a few hand written wishes. Helena was a very grateful person, always sending a thank you note and calling to express her appreciation. She was the best Euchre partner and everyone fought over being her partner! She loved birds and spoiled them and the squirrels in the neighborhood with food and water.
Helena is survived by her children: Michael Szymczak, Margaret (Alan) Jarvie, Mary Joan (John) Truetken, Marty (Susan) Szymczak, Mark ( Michelle) Szymczak; Grandchildren, Todd Szymczak, Adam (Gina) Szymczak, Emily (Steve) Smock, Michelle Jarvie, Hannah, Luke and Sarah Truetken, Jordan (Cherry) Bentley and Allison Bentley, Matthew and Megan Szymczak; great grandchildren, Parker and Owen Szymczak, Hunter, Lucas, Greyson and Violet Smock, Pearl Bentley and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, George & Clara Gerhardt, husband Chester Szymczak and grandson Nicholas Jarvie. Siblings: Catherine Haranda, Clara Carva, Anna Boike, Elizabeth Halloran, Mary Wilkins and Bernard Gerhardt. Sister-in-laws: Irene Sobieray and Cecelia Zuraw. Helena will be missed by all.
Visitation will be held at Lee Ramsay Funeral Home in Pinconning on Friday, September 10, 2021, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with the Holy Rosary beginning at 7:00 pm. Visitation will also be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 11, 2021, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Parish-St. Michael Church. Those wishing an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a donation to Holy Trinity Parish-St. Michael Church and School in Pinconning. Per the families wishes, mask’s will be required for visitation and the service.
Lee-Ramsay Funeral Home, Pinconning, MI, was in charge of arrangements.