Helen Velma Flannery

Helen Velma Flannery, age 88 of Chesterfield, and formerly of Sterling Heights, died Saturday, December 14, 2019 at the Village of East Harbor in Chesterfield, Michigan. She was born April 1, 1931 in Detroit, daughter of the late Louis and the late Mary (nee: DeFilippi) Azelio.

Before marriage and children, Helen’s early employment resume would have included the time she spent in retail working for the iconic New York City department store, Macy’s. It was there that Helen learned how much she enjoyed being a part of serving customers and making their time out on the town a memorable experience. Flashing a bit forward in time, Helen’s resume also included the experiences and pleasures she gained through her work as a waitress at the Gaslight Lounge, on the corner of 6th & Howard Streets in Detroit. Being a true maven in customer service, Helen was the perfect fit for this dining venue and locale for those looking for a good meal,…and a great waitress. She will also be remembered for her skills in hairdressing and the many ladies whose beautification was a direct result of Helen’s immense talents with hair.

Yet styling hair was but one aspect of the talents that Helen embodied. She was gifted with a host of artistic expressions, each of which were enjoyed by all who were blessed to partake of her offerings. From her watercolor paintings, to her musical expressions on the accordion and violin,…or most notably in her ability to croon-a-tune, especially when it came to the ethereal magic of Frank Sinatra, Helen’s artistic flair was seen, heard and felt by so many over the years,…and their lives were made so much richer in the process.

Another of Helen’s favorite pastimes was enjoyed in the many trips she shared with her traveling countesses, Peg & Sandy. Together, the three of them managed to rack up the miles and memories as they visited many beautiful and wonderful destinations, and filled a host of scrapbooks with the scenic splendors they amassed as “traveling buddies.”

A loving wife, mother and grandmother, perhaps a large portion of why this beautiful lady made such an impact on others could be attested to the strong and abiding faith that guided Helen’s heart and life. A faith that was tested, tried and true, Helen had the heart of a servant and infused others with a joy and presence that came from the devout relationship she shared with God. Second only to that was her incredible love for her family, They meant the world to her and were the light of her life,…especially those precious  cherubs, Helen’s grandchildren. Each moment in their company was a treasure beyond measure, moments that she would tuck away to revisit often. She leaves behind a unique and touching legacy of love, and a lifetime of memories for all to embrace who were blessed to know this beautiful lady. She will be missed immensely and loved eternally.      

Helen was the beloved wife of the late James. Dearest mother of James Flannery, Patrick (Debbie) Flannery, Mary Kay (David) Haupt, and Robert (Jeanine) Flannery. Loving grandmother of Eric Cheolas, Kevin Cheolas, Craig (Deanna) Flannery, Sean Flannery, Christian Flannery, and Ethan Flannery. Dear sister of Fred (Judy) Azelio. Helen is also survived by daughter-in-law, Pamela Flannery who was extremely instrumental in the loving  and compassionate care she received from Pamela throughout her illness.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home in Warren.

Memorial donations are welcomed to the Alzheimer’s Association, 25200 Telegraph Road, Suite 100, Southfield, Michigan 48033,…or at www.alz.org.  

Please share memories of Helen at her guest book below.