Helen Mary Rydzewski, 94 years old, caring, generous, fair-minded, good-humored, a terrific listener, dedicated and greatly beloved woman, daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend passed on to her eternal reward on October 29, 2018.
Helen was born in Detroit on January 5th, 1924. As a young child her parents left the city after purchasing a farm near Cass City, Michigan. This is where Helen spent her childhood until, as a young woman still in her teens, she decided to leave the farm and move back to Detroit. Initially working as a nanny for a working couple with small children, Helen went on to work at the Woman’s Hospital in Detroit followed by jobs in manufacturing supporting the war effort.
It was after the war that Helen met the love of her life, Henry “Hank” Rydzewski. Hank was a WWII vet who was part of the landing on the beaches in Normandy as well as other major battles in the European Theater. After returning home Hank met Helen taking her to a Detroit Red Wing hockey game for their first date. Things went well. Hank courted Helen with a passion and on November 08, 1947 they were married. Hank and Helen spent the next 35 years loving and caring for one another and raising 5 boys until Helen’s “love of her life” Hank passed on August 07, 1982.
Hank and Helen were devoted parents and blessed each child David (Bronia), Darrell (Linda), Larry (Nancy), Mike (Jean) and Ron with love, guidance and caring support.
Helen was a dedicated stay at home mom and an encouraging force; nurturing her five boys into adulthood. She was a great cook and talented baker who looked forward to each and every holiday so she could display her culinary as well as decorative skills. Helen, loving wife, supported Hank through a prolonged illness and home hospice where her cherished husband succumbed to lung cancer.
Helen courageously went on, still dedicated to her adult sons and their families. She adapted to her new life and started a career at the U of M (Dearborn) where she worked in an administrative support capacity then retired.
Eventually Helen moved to Commerce Township where she resided for the next 20 yrs., enjoying entertaining family and watching her Grandchildren grow. Sara, Katie (Chris), Bethany, Sharon (Russell), Jason, Justin (April), Brandon, Amanda (Brandon) and Nick benefited from her friendship. Also Helen was blessed with a growing number of Great-Grandchildren; Emma, Bennett, Layla, Cameron, Tyler, Summer and Morgan, whose visits she delighted in.
Helen had a fulfilled and wonderful life. We know she touched many lives with her light and became such a delight as she wove her way into our hearts and lives.
Mom, thank you for your love, your strength, your sense of dedication to us, your family. You lived your life well and now may you be forever joyous and content in the company of our Heavenly Father and your beloved Hank. From your family, we will miss your presence and laughter. We love you.
A Funeral Service/Celebration of her Life will be held on Thursday, November 08, 2018 at the Elton Black & Son Funeral Home at 1233 Union Lake Road, White Lake, MI (248)-363-7135. Visitation will be from 1pm-4pm followed by a Memorial Service from 4pm-5pm. Come join the family immediately following to a dinner located at “It’s A Matter of Taste”, 2323 Union Lake Rd., Commerce Twp., MI. (RSVP.’s are appreciated if you are attending dinner to [email protected].
A private Family Burial Service will be held in May 2019 in Bad Axe, MI., where Hank and Helen’s co-mingled ashes will be interred in a cemetery plot next to her mother in accordance with her wishes.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Helen's favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
DONACIONES
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.9.5