Obituary of Helen V. Parent

Parent, Helen V. of Carrollton, Michigan Passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 8, 2015 at Caretel Inns of Tri-Cities surrounded by her family. She was 95 years old. Helen Vivian Raasch was born on November 25, 1919 in Saginaw, Michigan to the late George and Crystal (Stoker) Raasch. She attended Arthur Hill High School. Helen married the love of her life, Edward C. Parent on April 26, 1941 in Carrollton; he preceded her in death on October 2, 1985. She was a devout and faithful Catholic. Helen was proud to be a 73-year member with St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, and was an active member of the St. Anne Society. She also volunteered within the church in many capacities. Helen loved and cherished her family, especially spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, treating them all as if there were special. She enjoyed vacationing with relatives at the Wisconsin Dells. Helen will forever be remembered for her cinnamon sour cream coffee cake, as well as her hospitality, welcoming anyone with a pot of coffee. Surviving are one daughter and two sons: Gail (Thomas) Mehalski of Saginaw, Randy (Jeanne) Parent of Bluffton, SC, and John (Brenda) Parent of Au Gres; seven grandchildren: Kelly (Richard) Hanson, Kristie (Larry) Timmons, Wendy (Clarence) Hammond, Zachary Mehalski, Noah (Sabrina) Mehalski, Matthew Ayres, and Michael (Mandy) Ayres; several great-grandchildren; a great-great-granddaughter; one sister, Catherine "Katie" Wells of Carrollton; half brother, Donald Raasch of Zilwaukee; and special nieces: Brenda Bow and Phyllis (Jeff) Stevens. Also surviving are many nephews and special friends. She was preceded in death by brother, George Raasch and two infant brothers. FUNERAL: A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2015 at St. John Paul II Catholic Church (St. Josaphat site), 469 Shattuck Rd. Rev. Fr. Ronald J. Dombrowski will officiate. Rite of Committal will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. VISITATON: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Vigil Service will take place at 6:00 p.m. Thursday evening. Helen will lie in state at the church on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. John Paul II Catholic Church or the Caretel Inns of Tri-Cities. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.