Submitted by: Nadine A. Hardin

Name:  Tschida, Helen J.

Names in Obituary:  Helman, Matheu, Milavecz, Pinter, Szucs, Tschida, Vargyas

South Bend Tribune, Obituary; July 5, 2004

Helen J. Tschida (Sept. 5, 1913 -- July 1, 2004)

Helen Julia Tschida, 90, passed away on Thursday, July 1, at 3:15 a.m. She was born in South Bend, Ind., on Sept. 5, 1913, to Andrew and Rose (Vargyas) Pinter, who preceded her in death. Helen was also preceded in death by two sisters, Rose (Michael) Milavecz and Betty (Alex) Szucs.

On May 29, 1937, Helen and Henry J. Tschida Sr. were married in St. Stephen's Catholic Church in South Bend. Henry Sr. passed away on Dec. 23, 1996.

Helen is survived by a son, Henry J. Jr.; a daughter, Carolyn (Wm. Phillip) Helman; and two grandchildren, Jennifer L. (Tschida) Matheu of Ohiopyle, Pa., and William P. Helman Jr. of San Diego, Calif. She is also survived by 20 nieces and nephews, and many grandnieces and grandnephews.

Helen had lived in South Bend her entire life, except for one year in Baltimore, Md. Helen worked at the YWCA while in school at St. Joseph Academy and at Wilson Brothers in the sample department for 17 years.

She always made sure that the men in her family had shirts, socks, and under-clothing which she would purchase as seconds from the Wilson Brothers Store. This really helped the family during the days of World War II. Helen also loved to swim. On family vacation to lakes in Michigan, she would always be the first one in the water. She also liked to bake desserts, and will always be remembered for all the Kiefles she made and donated to the St. Stephen's Church bake sales. Her desserts were always the first to be sold.

Helen was a parishioner of St. Stephen's Church her entire life until that church was closed and demolished in 2004. Her father, Andrew, constructed the grotto that still stands.

She belonged to the St. Stephen's Mothers Club and the St. Therese Society for many years. At the time of her death, she was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church of South Bend.

Our mother would talk to every person she would run into no matter where she met them. She never met a person she disliked.

Peace to you, Mom.

Friends may call one hour before services on Tuesday, July 6, at noon in the Kaniewski Funeral Chapel. At this time, a Catholic service will be officiated by Rev. Chris Cox, C.S.C., previously of St. Stephen's parish. Graveside services will follow at Highland Cemetery.

Henry and Carolyn would like to thank all the RNs, aides and therapists who had a hand in taking care of her, especially to Real Services, American Nursing Care, Saint Joseph Hospital, Hospice House of South Bend, and Healthwin, over the past year.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Joseph County, to Healthwin, or to the Chapin Street Clinic (Sister Maura) in Helen's memory.