Helen M. Kezele

Helen’s life began in Dowagiac on January 10, 1924, the daughter of Walter and Bernice (Rybinski) Olejniczak. She was a 1942 graduate of Dowagiac Central High School. Helen was united in marriage to Edward Kezele at Holy Maternity of Mary Catholic Church in Dowagiac on October 20, 1956. The couple lived in Chicago for many years where Helen was an executive with J. Walter Thompson Advertising agency. She was a parishioner at Holy Maternity of Mary and as a young woman she worked for the draft board in Dowagiac during World War II, as well. Her loving family includes her husband Edward of Chicago, nieces and nephews Patricia Patano of Dowagiac, Nancy Patano of St. Charles, IL, Mary Chiappinelli of Georgia, VT, Joan Vos of West Hills, CA, Patricia Kaman of Northville, Carrol Cencer of Troy, Kathleen Parnin of Dallas, TX, Marilynne Mikulich of Dearborn, Daniel, James and George Oliver, all of Garden City; her sister Gladys Patano of Woodland Hills, CA and several great and great great nieces and nephews. Helen passed away on Tuesday September 18, 2012 at the Timbers of Cass County. She is preceded in death by her parents, brother Ted Olejniczak and sister Irene Brosnan-Weibel. Her family will gather with friends on Sunday from 2 -5 p.m. (Eastern Time) at Yazel & Clark Chapel (405 Center Street; Dowagiac, MI. 49047) where the rosary prayer will begin at 4 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10 a.m. (EST) at Holy Maternity of Mary Catholic Church, Dowagiac by Father Kevin Covert. Helen will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery, Dowagiac. Memorial contributions in her name may be directed Quest Youth Ministry at Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Please sign her guestbook and leave a memory of Helen at www.yazel-clark.com.