Katherine Marie Helms

Kathy was born on July 28, 1944 in Chicago, IL, to Gerald William Daly and Bernice Catherine (Clinton) Daly. She spent a large portion of her growing up years in Angel Guardian Orphanage, where the foundation of her great faith was established. Kathy prayed daily for others, and her prayer list was long.

Kathy married Frank Jerome Helms on January 8, 1982, in Dolton, IL. They just celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary.

Kathy’s career started in downtown Chicago at the Merchandise Mart, Continental Bank, and later as a credit manager at L. Fish Furniture. She really loved the medical field, and completed a program to become a medical assistant.

Kathy was a people person, had a great sense of humor, and loved adventures including whitewater rafting and ziplining in retirement! She loved to read and frequently finished a stack of books before her family could swap them out at the library. Her niece Carol got her hooked on watching The Amazing Race, and she also loved Survivor. She was an avid tennis fan right up to the end, watching the Australian Open Men’s Final from her hospital bed. Night after night, Kathy beat her family at the Wheel of Fortune using her superhuman puzzle solving skills! Her other remarkable talent was crocheting beautiful afghans for everyone that she loved.

Kathy is survived by husband Frank, daughters Dawn M. Winans (Richard A. Kouzoujian) and Erin R. (Peter) Reen, and her pride and joy, grandson Matthew A. Reen. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Virginia Alberini, and nieces Debbie Formeller, Jeri Gibbons, Fran Hoye, and Diana Ellsworth.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald W. Daly (1906-1961) and Bernice C. (Clinton) Daly (1911-1953), first husband Le Roy M. Winans Jr. (1943-1980), siblings William G. Daly (1932-1984), Joan E. (Daly) Martin (1934-1965), John C. Daly (1938-2014), and niece Carol L. (Daly) Hamilton (1962-2008).

Funeral services will be private.

The family asks that any memorial contributions be made to one of Kathy’s favorite charities, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Whaley Children’s Center or Carriage Town Ministries in Flint, MI.