Submitted by: Dan Rich

Helen Kwasnieski

March 17, 1912 - Oct. 2, 2000

South Bend Tribune 10/4/2000

Loving wife and caring mother, Helen Kwasnieski, 88, died peacefully on October 2, 2000. Born in Chicago, March 17, 1912, and married to Joseph Kwasnieski in 1942, she has been a long-time resident of South Bend. Helen loved everybody and everything around her, cherishing more than anything her family. She lost the companionship of her husband with his untimely death in 1970; no one replaced Joe in her heart, and she has now re-joined him in heaven.

Throughout her life, she maintained a healthy curiosity that kept her active and involved. Always open to others and quick to smile, she made friends easily. Her outgoing personality, coupled with an enthusiasm for the finer things in life, led to a long career at Robertson's where she sold silverware and china. Co-workers and customers remember her fondly; she will be missed by all whose life she touched. Most of all, she will be missed by her family. A mountain of wonderful, happy memories overshadow the pain of her loss. The strength of her love will endure.

Surviving is her son, Joseph, and daughter-in-law, Rochelle Kwasnieski of Houston, TX; a grandchild, Royce Rubattino of Houston, TX; four sisters, Eleanor Hodge, Estelle Ryczek, Irene Tomczak and Cecilia Nanna, all of Chicago; sisters and brothers-in-law, Paul and Nettie Vanderhayden, and Ann Marek.

Family and friends may call from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. today in the ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 824 S. Mayflower Rd., where a Rosary will be said at 7:00 p.m. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday at Holy Family Catholic Church. Burial will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Joseph County, 111 Sunnybrook Ct., South Bend, IN 46637.