SOUTH BEND - Helen U. Brassell, 92, of South Bend, IN, passed away at 6:15 p.m. Friday, April 6, 2007, in Memorial Hospital.

Helen was born on March 25, 1915, in South Bend, to John K. and Ann (Schulczk) Smogor. She retired in 1980 from the University of Notre Dame, where she was employed for twelve years. On June 4, 1938, in the Log Chapel, Notre Dame, IN, as Helen U. Smogor, she married John Edward Brassell, who preceded her in death on January 31, 1993. Also preceding her in death were two sisters, Harriett Nawrot and Betty Odusch. Survivors include two sons, Timothy J. (Melanie) Brassell of Osceola, IN and John J. (Betty) Brassell of Green Valley, AZ; four grandchildren, Jay (Heather) Brassell, Kathleen (Edmund) Niziolek, Michael (Kimberly) Brassell, and Daniel Brassel; and ten great-grandchildren. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 10, 2007, in Christ the King Catholic Church.

Friends may call for one hour prior to the Mass on Tuesday in the church. Helen was a member of Christ the King Parish and Harvest House. She was a charter member of the Forever Learning Institute. Memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. To send online condolences, please visit Kaniewski.com.
Published in the South Bend Tribune on 4/9/2007.