Helen Mary Garcia

Helen Mary Garcia, 76 of Kansas City, KS died Saturday, September 13, 2014 at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine, 901 Cesar Chavez Avenida, KCMO. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, September 22 at the McGilley Midtown Chapel, 20 W. Linwood Blvd from 6-8 p.m., where the rosary will be prayed at 7:00p.m.

Helen was born February 6, 1938 in Ogilvie, MN to John and Eleanor (Twardy) Kulyas, Sr. Helen retired as a supervisor for Gerson Jewelry Company after 31 years. She will be remembered for her loving nature and kindness to all. Helen’s home was always a place where everyone was welcome. She spent many evenings and weekends at the softball fields watching her sons play ball and enjoyed making burritos and other foods for all to enjoy. She made everyone feel special when they were at her home. She was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine and, in later years, St John The Evangelist Church. Helen was married to Norbert for 28 years, and remained friends until his death in 2007. She was also preceded in death by her parents, one son Michael Garcia, grandson Joseph Lopez, great grandson Mauricio Alvarado and brother Tom Kulyas. Helen’s survivors include son Steven Garcia (Mia) and daughter Kimberly Lopez (Raymond), 11 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren, all of Kansas City, KS and Knob Knoster, MO; two brothers, John Kulyas, Jr. (Lydia) and Steven Kulyas (Elaine) and two sisters, Marlene Simons (Marvin) and Sylvia DuChene (John), all of Minnesota. Helen’s greatest joys in life were spending time with her family, cooking and enjoying time at the casinos. She spread much love around to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and has left many beautiful memories for all.