Helen J. (Mauro) Cira

Helen J. Cira, 81, a lifelong area resident and business owner, passed away peacefully at 10:54 a.m. Sunday, January 8, 2017 at Healthwin Specialized Care in South Bend.

She was born July 2, 1935 in South Bend to the late Angelo and Concetta (Ricco) Mauro, and was a graduate of South Bend Central High School.

On May 28, 1960 in St. Joseph Catholic Church, South Bend, Helen was united in marriage to Victor R. Cira. They worked side-by-side, and enjoyed 54 years of marriage until his passing on June 3, 2014.  She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Lori and Gregg Gallant of Fishers, IN; her son, Joseph Michael Cira of California: and three grandchildren, Alex, Griffin, and Victoria, all of whom she absolutely adored.  Also surviving is her brother and sister-in-law, Dan & Lil Mauro of South Bend; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert and MaryAnn Cira of Granger; sister-in-law, Rose Cira of Granger, and brother-in-law, Norbert Hintz of South Bend.  She was preceded in death by her brother Thomas Mauro in December 2015.

Early in her career, Helen worked for the St. Joseph County Welfare Dept.  When she married Vic, she began working at Cira’s Restaurant on Miami Street, and they worked side-by-side until their retirement in 2012.  Helen and Vic could often be found sitting at a table with customers, many who became like family to them, telling stories and laughing.  They enjoyed feeding people and making them happy.  She loved anything Notre Dame, especially football and basketball.  During the football season, many loyal customers would come into town and always made Cira’s a destination for breakfast before heading to the stadium.  They were known for hosting great tailgating parties before the football games. Helen and Vic always looked forward to those times.  They also hosted many members of the basketball team in their home for dinner.  She was a longtime member of St. Matthew’s Cathedral. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at St. Matthew Cathedral, 1701 Miami Street, South Bend.  Graveside services and burial will follow at Highland Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 11, at the Palmer Funeral Home-Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend.

Expression of sympathy in memory of Helen Cira may be offered to St. Matthew Cathedral, 1701 Miami Street, South Bend, IN 46613.  Online condolences may be left for the Cira family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

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