Helen BLASKO

22 NOV 1918 - 22 AUG 2014

• BIRTH: 22 NOV 1918, Mishawaka, IN
• DEATH: 22 AUG 2014, South Bend, IN

• MARRIAGE: 13 JAN 1940, Sts. Peter & Paul Serbian Orthodox Church, South Bend, IN

1.  Kathleen MANDICH

INDEX

[N11635] Helen Mandich ... nee Blasko
Nov. 22, 1918 - Aug. 22, 2014
SOUTH BEND - Helen Mandich, 95, passed away Friday, August 22, 2014, in her residence. Helen was born on Nov. 22, 1918, in Mishawaka, to John and Theresa Blasko. Helen lived in Mishawaka and graduated from Mishawaka High School. On Jan. 13, 1940, in South Bend, she married Joseph D. Mandich at Sts. Peter & Paul Serbian Orthodox Church. Joseph preceded her in death. Helen and Joe had three children who are surviving: two daughters, Kathleen (Michael) Csakany of South Bend and Mitzi (John) Psarakis of Granger; a son, Daniel J. Mandich of South Bend; two grandchildren, Paul Csakany and Chris (Carol) Csakany; and two great-grandchildren, Erin Csakany and Robert Griggs. Helen was also preceded in death by six brothers: Johnny Blasko, Frankie Blasko, Charlie Blasko, Joe Blasko, Mike Blasko and Tony Blasko; and two sisters, Annie Petsovich and Theresa Blasko. Surviving are two sisters, Rose Hall and Muncie Sweeney, both of Mishawaka; a brother, Andrew Blasko of Osceola; and numerous nieces and nephews. Helen worked at Ball Band during the early days of her marriage. After having children she became a stay-at-home mom -- always being there for her children, working on PTAs and school projects, having a house where all the children came to gather. When her children were still in school she became a Patrol Lady. She was a Private Secretary for Safeway Truck Lines until her retirement. Then she came out of retirement to start a new career as a bookkeeper for Psarakis Custom Homes until her retirement once again. When Helen married Joseph she became a member of the Kola and of Sts. Peter and Paul Serbian Orthodox Church. Helen was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved cooking and having people over. Holidays were always a huge affair. Anyone who did not have a home had one; Mom made sure they were part of ours. This is a poem that we know she would want to share because Christmas was such a special day to her. My First Christmas in Heaven I see countless Christmas trees around the world below, with tiny lights, like heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow. The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear, for I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year. I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear, but the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here. I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring. For it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing. I know how much you miss me. I see the pain inside your heart. But I am not so far away. We really aren't apart. So be happy for me dear ones. You know I hold you dear, and be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year. I send you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above, I send you each a memory of my undying love. After all "love" is a gift, more precious than pure gold. It was always most important in the stories Jesus told. Please love and keep each other, as my father said to do. For I can't count the blessing or love he has for each of you. So have a Merry Christmas and wipe your tears. Funeral services will be celebrated at 11:00 am Friday, August 29, 2014, in Sts. Peter & Paul Serbian Orthodox Church. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 4-7 Thursday in the Zahoran Funeral Home, 1826 South Kemble Avenue. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sts. Peter & Paul Serbian Orthodox Church. To leave an online condolence, please visit our website at www.zahoran.com, or our Facebook page, Zahoran Funeral Home. Published in South Bend Tribune on Aug. 27, 2014