Obituary of Mary Jane Helminen

Mary Jane Helminen, 86, of Niles, passed away at her home on Tuesday, May 17, 2011. Mary was born on August 21, 1924 to the late Edward and Lottie (Banicki) Okonski in South Bend, Indiana. She was one of 13 children in the Okonski household. On August 16, 1947 Mary wed the love of her life, Clifford Helminen, at a ceremony in Niles. Together they had three children. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, 2 great grandchildren, brothers Sylvester, Edward, William, John and Steve Okonski and sister Alfrieda Clymer. Mary is survived by her children Sharon Buell of Bronson, Michigan, Raymond (Barb) Helminen of Lampe, Missouri and Vernon (Georgina) Helminen of South Bend, Indiana, eight grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, four great great grandchildren and siblings Marge (LeRoy) Morrical of North Carolina, Dorothy Hart of Niles, Eleanore McGill of Niles, Lottie Swan of Adrian, Michigan, Eugene (Joyce) Okonski of Mishawaka, Indiana and Paul (Pat) Okonski of Ft. Pierce, Florida. Funeral services to honor Mary's life will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2011 at Mission Hills Memorial Chapel at 10:00 a.m. with Louis Staub officiating. Mary will be laid to rest in the Garden of Time. Memorial donations may be made in Mary's memory to the Niles Senior Center at 1109 Bell Road, Niles, Michigan 49120 Those wishing to leave a message for the family, upload a photo or send condolences may do so here on our website or on our facebook page at www.Facebook.com/BrownFuneralHomeNiles.