Helen Mary Keresztesi

Helen Mary Keresztesi, 90, passed away peacefully on December 5. 2021 at StoryPoint Senior Living in Granger, IN. Helen was born January 5, 1931 in South Bend, IN, to the late Joseph and Sophie (Prusinski) Stankiewicz.

Helen grew up in a household with one sister, Wanda (Stanley) Jackowiak, who survives, along with five brothers, John, Ted, Ben, Chet and Barts, all who preceded her in death.

Helen graduated from South Bend Catholic and immediately started working. It was during that time she met her dance and life partner, Steve Keresztesi (who passed on Dec. 13, 2004). They were married on February 19, 1955 at St. Casimir Catholic Church, South Bend. After a honeymoon driving to Cleveland, Ohio, in a brand new Studebaker that she won in a raffle, they made their home in South Bend.

Four daughters survive, Debbie (Mark) Heeter, Cheri (Tim) Mitchell, Jennie (Rich) Kowalski, Lynnel (Brad) Richards, along with one son, Stephen (Donna Braisher) Keresztesi. Leaving memories to cherish of their grandma are nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Helen worked for many years at Tepe Furniture, L.S. Ayres at Scottsdale Mall, and retired from food service at Jackson High School, working in the cafeteria kitchen. She loved going to any casino at a moment’s notice, because she was lucky and a winner! She cherished the days at the cottage on Big Crooked Lake at Sister Lakes every summer since 1961, and especially loved hosting family Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, as well as all the girls’ Mother’s Day weekends together. She loved everything Notre Dame and enjoyed their season football and basketball tickets for decades.

Mom lived a wonderful, long life. She was our matriarch and our friend, and we will forever love and adore you, our beautiful mom.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 52473 IN-933, South Bend, IN. Friends may visit with the family from 10:00-11:00am on Thursday at the church, prior to Mass. Private interment will take place at a later date at St. Joseph Cemetery in South Bend. Palmer Funeral Home—Hickey Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

Contributions in memory of Helen may be donated to Traditions Hospice, 1820 E. Day Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.