Service Details
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
Private service at Calvary Cemetery
There was a great banquet in Heaven Sunday, March 12, 2017 when Helen Anzalone walked through St. Peter’s gate. Many friends and relatives have been awaiting her arrival, especially her dearest friend, Jesus. The daughter of Julius and Elsie Speigel, Helen was born December 2, 1915 in Lansing, Michigan and, at the age of 3, moved to Racine, Wisconsin with her parents and sister Lila (Mueckler). Helen met her future husband, Carmen, first as neighbors and were better acquainted through her friendships with Carmen’s sisters. They were a strange duo for their time, Carmen, an Italian-Catholic, and Helen a German-Lutheran. Their friendship grew and a strong bond of love brought them together in marriage on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 1938 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. They cultivated their spiritual lives at Sacred Heart, Helen converting early in their marriage so they could raise a family in the faith. Life-long members, they enjoyed preparing the chapel for daily mass and assisting with gardening in the church yard. Helen was part of Sacred Heart’s prayer tree ministry until December 2016, taking time daily, to pray for the special needs of parish members. She loved making manicotti and was known to quietly bring them to friends and neighbors during times of sickness or grief. Without words she taught people how to truly love.
Helen worked different jobs throughout her life, but being a homemaker was her true calling. She and Carmen dedicated their lives to the care of their daughters, Carol (John) Steinmetz, Cynthia Wilkinson, and Carmen (Joel) Powell as well as her nephew, Max Mueckler. Helen was a doting grandmother and formed strong relationships with all of her grandchildren: Marc (Vicky) Keleske, Bryan Keleske, Ted Keleske, Chris (Willie) Mayer, Sandy (Jeff) Piper, Jennifer (John) Weber, Stephen Maroda, and Elicia (Tony) Harris. She was thrilled at each arrival of her nine great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.
Helen’s life of 101 years included many celebrations. She hosted family holiday gatherings and Thursday night spaghetti dinners, fondly known as ‘pasta night’. Getting together weekly with friends since high school for a game of schafkopf was a joyful afternoon. They always had a good time, laughing and celebrating life. One of Helen’s favorite bits of advice was “Have Some Fun” and she lived it.
A quiet soul with deep faith and a generous heart, Helen was always willing to lend a hand. She and Carmen followed the teachings of Jesus, opening their home to many family members and friends through the years, never turning anyone away. Whether a short stay for a traveler, or an extended stay for someone in need, there was always a room that included friendly care and a warm dinner.
Helen made many new friends, when she moved into her apartment at Marian Housing. Weekly bingo and po-ke-no games with fellow residents, friends, and family were common as Helen embraced her new home. It was there that Helen and Steven Taleck, Sr. became the best of friends; each supporting the other as they grew in years.
A private burial will be held at Calvary Cemetery. Helen lived with great love and sincerity. She taught by example in word and deed. One of her favorite past-times was sending letters and greeting cards for all occasions. In honor of Helen, show an act of kindness to an unexpected recipient, share a smile with a stranger, or send a card to someone special in your life. And of course “Go have some fun!”
The family would like to thank the staff at Lakeshore Manor and Ascension – All Saints for their compassionate care.
Janet Horvath says
Auntie Helen always took the time to smile and say Hello as I walked past her Prospect St house, she also made me smile as I received a card no matter where I lived!! She kept our Anzalone family together with our family picnics! God has welcomed home a !special lady
Tonya Christiansen says
What a beautiful story that was shared. Ty!! She really made a difference in all our lives!!
Dawn Jurkiewicz says
My prayers and thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. I’m sure she is walking among the angels. What a blessing to have had her here on earth for such a long time.
David and Brenda Wilkinson says
Helen was a beautiful lady in every way. We know she will be missed but remain in the hearts of her loved ones. Our condolences.
David and Brenda Wilkinson
Duane & Alicia Yerges says
So sorry for the loss of your mother Cyndi, and to your family. I know you all had such a special relationship. She will be missed. Duane & Alicia
Sandee Fischlin says
What a beautiful lady and I am so proud to have known her and her husband, Carmen. Together they created 2 wonderful daughters that produced grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. What a wonderful legacy. You will be missed Helen but your memories and your smile and laugh will echo in the minds of many.
Betsie O'Brien says
What a beautiful life your mom led. It sounds like she made a true difference in the lives of many. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
larry and connie perfetto says
our deepest sympathy. we are very very sorry for your loss but we know that a piece of history is in heaven now watching over us all. we love you guys very much
Ted A. Keleske says
Thank you for writing such kind words.
Chuck and Marsha Johnson says
Our sincere condolences to your entire family. What a beautiful life.
Chris Guzman says
Carol, Cynthia and Carmen your mom was a wonderful lady . She will be missed by many.
Arlene Brouillette says
Dear Anzalone girls,
So sad to read this.
Helen sent me birthday cards over 60 yrs.
She was my moms best friend.
I remember her at our front door with her famous Italian dish when my day died.
Many memories of birthday parties which descended from those Golden Girls card clubs.
You will miss your mom a long time.
I got Helens’s St Patricks Day card last week!
God Bless You dear Helen.
Arlene Johnson Brouillette
Bonnie Ostroski says
Carol, Cynthia & Carmen,
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Bonnie Ostroski
Jennifer Weber says
This prayer was prominently displayed in Grandma’s bedroom. It was printed and distributed by Franciscan Mission Associates in the late 60’s, the author is unknown. Anyone who knew her will see that she followed it with sincerity. My prayer is that we will all learn from it.
Take a cheerful view of everything.
Trust in God and mind your own business.
Pray for a short memory as to forget
all unkindness.
Cultivate forbearance till your heart yields
a fine crop of it.
Give your tongue more holiday than your
hands or your eyes.
Compare your manifold blessings with trifling
annoyances of each day.
Do the duty that lies nearest thee; thy second
duty will already have become clearer.
Be content to do the things you can, and fret
not because you cannot do everything.
Never reply in kind to a sharp or angry word; it is
the second word that makes the quarrel.
Make the best of what you have and do not
make yourself miserable by wishing for
what you have not.