Helen Marie Bessenbacher Colwell, 91, Kansas City, MO passed away peacefully on May 24, 2022. Rosary is 8:30 AM, Friday, May 27th, with visitation beginning at 9:00 AM, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 919 NE 96th St, Kansas City, MO 64155. Burial will follow the services in Resurrection Cemetery, 5001 NE Cookingham Dr, Kansas City, MO 64156.
Helen Marie walked to school every day, graduating from St. Francis Xavier Grade School, Bishop Hogan High, and St. Teresa’s (now Avila) College. She worked secretarial jobs during schooling and after graduating from college. Helen married George Colwell in the Fort Ord Post Chapel in Monterey, CA, and moved from Army Post to Army Post until George’s discharge. Helen and George celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on March 5, 2022.
Helen Marie, loving wife and homemaker, leaves her husband, George; 4 children, 8 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren. Her children: George (wife, Cheryl), Colleen Rev, Thomas (wife, Cynthia) and Nanette Moore (husband, James); her sister, Margaret Mary Johnson (husband, William); and many nieces, nephews, and their husbands and wives. She was predeceased by her parents, Edward and Margaret Dunn Bessenbacher, and her brother, James and his wife, Jean.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate masses or donations to St. Vincent DePaul Society, 7207 NW Highway 9, Kansas City, MO 64152-2997.