Helen Mead, age 96, of Canby, MN passed away on Sunday, March 5, 2023 at the Sylvan Court Nursing Home in Canby, MN. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30a.m. on Monday, March 13th at St. Peters Catholic Church in Canby. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7p.m. on Sunday, March 12th at the Houseman Funeral Home-Birk Chapel in Canby with a prayer service at 7p.m.. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at the St. Peters Catholic Cemetery in Canby. Houseman Funeral Home-Birk Chapel of Canby, MN is entrusted with the arrangements.
Helen Mary Mead was born on February 19, 1927 to Anton and Cecilia Marczak in Lincoln County, MN. Helen loved spending time with her family; she had 12 children, 33 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. She especially loved the yearly Marczak picnic with her entire family. Helen continued her dedication and compassion for others over the years she spent working at the local nursing home in Canby. She was famous for her apple pies and homemade doughnuts. She was a very gifted crafter, enjoying quilting and sewing. Helen was a devoted member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Canby. Her love of God and her Catholic Faith was a constant hallmark of her life. She would never miss Mass on a Sunday or Holy Day, and enjoyed daily Mass when she was able. By her prayers, good example and diligent instruction, she passed on that gift of the Faith to her family. She delighted in visits from children, grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren and in the wonderful gift of every new life. Helen spent the last 6 years as a resident of Sylvan Court in Canby. In her time there Helen loved to play Bingo, entertain, and continued to care for others. She especially enjoyed joking around with the employees. The saying was always, “Don’t turn your back on Helen” because you never knew what tricks she had up her sleeve. Helen enjoyed entertaining the staff and other residents with her singing and playing the keyboard. Her favorite song to play was “You Are My Sunshine.” Helen had never played the piano before her time in the nursing home, which goes to show that you are never too old to learn a new skill. A special thanks to the staff at Sylvan Court for all the compassion and wonderful care they provided. Helen’s grandchildren will always remember her for her delicious baking, quick wit, and love for God.
Helen is survived by 11 children; Daughters: Sharon (Marc) Ratajczak; Rosemary Lange; Mary (Dale) Rood; Barb Lorenzen. Sons: Roger (Judy); Larry (Loretta); Gerald (Barb); Duane (Deb); Rick (Laura); Bruce (Nancy); Mick. Siblings: Diane (Julius) Walters; Lorraine Taveirne; Eddie (Marlys), Jimmy, and Tony (Carol) Marczak. Along with numerous grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren. Helen is preceded in death by her husband Warren; son Dan Mead; sons-in-law: Les Lange and Dennis Lorenzen; grandchildren Kelly, Shawn, and Jared Mead; her parents and siblings.
