Helen Zalewski

Helen Zalewski passed away on May 11, 2022, at the age of 95. Helen was born on June 12, 1926, in Detroit Michigan, and spent most of her life as a wife and mother. She also worked a delightful fifteen-year stint at Detroit Edison after her children were raised. She was a lifetime parishioner at St. Suzanne’s Catholic Church, also in Detroit.

This is what we would like you to know about our mom: she was known for her endless optimism and energy, her love of music, live performances, and DANCING!! She was a standout on the dance floor doing the polka and waltz. She often danced the polka in her kitchen by herself. Our mom thoroughly enjoyed summers in Coldwater, Michigan. Playing bocce, miniature golf, and cruising on the pontoon were daily family events. Mom had a unique ability to interact with people. Everyone—friends and strangers alike, were drawn to mom, and mom to them. No matter the time of day or occasion, our mom was always perfectly coiffed, fashionably dressed, accessorized with oh-so-perfect necklace and earrings, and never without lipstick! As a Detroit Edison employee, mom actively participated in, and frequently won, the employee Halloween contest. There was no limit to her creativity in designing her costumes. A few of our favorites were the Fried Egg, Baby, and Half-Man/Half-Woman. We all developed a love for Halloween following mom’s exuberant example. One of mom’s many longstanding activities was bowling. She belonged to various leagues throughout her lifetime. She ended her bowling career at the youthful age of ninety-three! Her high game that particular year was 185. (She’d like you to know that was accomplished without bumpers!) We all appreciated mom’s attendance at every grandchild’s graduation–from grade school to high school to college, graduate school and residency. Mom traveled wherever necessary to celebrate her grandchildren’s accomplishments. We will continue to share amongst ourselves, and with anyone who will listen, the colorful stories that made our mom the unique person she was! And today, we are at peace, knowing our mother was a faithful Catholic whose lifelong commitment to her church, her faith and fellow parishioners was a priority in her life.

Helen is preceded in death by her parents; husband Gerald Zalewski; sister Delphine; and brothers Louis, Sigmund, Clemens Jr., Edward, and Bill. She is survived by children Gary (Vicki); Stan (Shelley); Diane (Michael); Michele (Michael); Paulette (Kevin); Matthew (Jennica); Mark (Linda); fifteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren; also brother Richard (Carol); and sister-in-law, Theresa Zalewski. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be provided by Neely-Turowski Funeral Home, 30200 5 Mile Road, Livonia, MI 48154. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 17th, 3pm – 8pm, Rosary 7pm. The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 18th, at St. Suzanne’s Catholic Church, 19321 W. Chicago St., Detroit, MI, 48228. Viewing at 9 am, until the time of Mass at 10 am. Interment at St. Hedwig Cemetery, followed by lunch at Stitt Post, 23850 Military Rd., Dearborn Heights, MI, from 12 pm to 4 pm. Memorial Donations can be made to St. Suzanne’s Catholic Church (see contributions).