Helen Marie Kangas, of Livonia, Michigan, passed away on Saturday July 28, 2018 surrounded by family under the gentle care of Heart to Heart Hospice and the staff of Hyde Park Memory Care in Flushing, Michigan. Helen was born February 18, 1922 in Detroit, Michigan and was raised in Hamtramck, Michigan by the late Frank and Mary Brewczak. She was one of 2 children.
Helen is survived by: niece and goddaughter Susan (Bill) Sharp, niece Donna (Scott) Selesky, niece Nancy (Jim) Carstens, nephew Brian (Cyndy) Brewczak, and nephew, Christopher Brewczak.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband Fay Kangas, brother, William F. Brewczak and sister-in-law Irene Brewczak. She also greatly mourned special cousin Natalie Drobek, many cherished “Lunch Bunch” friends, and numerous family members that passed before her.
Helen was a founding and active member of St. Robert Bellarmine, joining in 1953. She was an Executive Secretary for Ford Motor Company. A proud and dedicated Ford employee, she loved her job and "Ford Family" in a career that spanned over four decades. During her career Helen also opened her home to her mother. She cared for her mother for over 25 years. In retirement Helen again devoted her time to others, working with Sister Giovanni to support and grow Angela Hospice Care Center. She volunteered at Angela Hospice for over 10 years.
Helen traveled extensively, visiting Australia, Germany, Canada, Alaska, Hawaii and of course the contiguous United States.
Helen had a dedication to Father Solanis Casey and his missions. She was an active member of the Solanis Casey Guild and made thousands of Father Solanis Casey medals for distribution.
In her spare time Helen enjoyed gardening. She grew an extensive flower garden and had great pride in her roses. Helen was also a birdwatcher and had a great love and respect of all animals, especially her dogs Bosco, Candy, and PJ.
Her family described Helen as a fun-loving, witty, faith-filled independent woman. She was caring and generous, putting others before self. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Special thanks to the staff of Hyde Park Memory and Nurse Tiffany for their care and dedication.
Helen's life will be celebrated with a funeral mass on Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at 10:30 AM. Her family will begin to receive guests at 9:30am at St. John XXIII Catholic Church (Formerly St. Robert Bellarmine) 27201 W. Chicago, Redford Township, Michigan 48239. The Mass will be led by Father Gregory Piatt.
Helen will be laid to rest with her husband in St. Hedwig Catholic Cemetery, Dearborn Heights, Michigan.
Contributions in Helen's memory may be made to Capuchin Ministries-Detroit, Capuchin Soup Kitchen Development Office, 1820 Mount Elliott Street, Detroit, Michigan 48207, https://www.cskdetroit.org/more-than-about-food.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared in the guest book for the Kangas family. Simply click on "Share a Memory" to leave a message.
