Service Details
In accordance with Helen’s wishes and for the safety of all during this pandemic, PRIVATE family services will be held. A celebration of Helen’s life will be planned at a future date. You are invited and encouraged to witness the service livestream on Monday, October 19, 2020 at 11:00 am by visiting the funeral home website and selecting the link (https://youtu.be/dMK1RtuJRp0) included in Helen’s obituary. Entombment will follow in Calvary Cemetery Garden Crypts.
Memorial Suggestions
In memory of Helen, dance to your favorite song with someone you love.
Racine- Helen Verona (nee: Husz, Francis) Brien, age 94, passed away peacefully at Ridgewood Care Center early Monday, October 12, 2020.
Helen was born in Racine on July 1, 1926 to John and Helen (nee: Moko) Husz. She met her first husband, Arthur J. Francis, on a blind date on her 18th birthday. They were married on May 29, 1946. They had a wonderful marriage and raised their five children with lots of love & laughter. Sadly, Art died on March 15, 1976. Helen met her second husband, Charles Brien, at a Sunday Singles dance at the Racine Labor Center. They married on April 8, 1978 and moved to Ft. Myers, FL in 1982. They had 5 ½ love filled years together before Chuck died on February 28, 1984. Helen then moved back to Racine and met James Thompson at a singles dance. They enjoyed traveling and dancing together for over 20 years until Jim’s death August 16, 2007. Helen did not hang up her dancing shoes until the death of her last dancing partner, Gilbert Schubert. She often said how lucky she was to have had four wonderful men in her life. Helen’s favorite saying was “I’m having more fun in my second childhood than I had in my first!”
Helen was a member of St. Lucy Catholic Church. She enjoyed Aquacise classes at the YWCA, Sunday night Singles dances, and volunteering for Toys for Tots. Above all, Helen loved spending time with her entire family.
Surviving are children, Jay (Deborah) Francis, Joan (James) Dahlen, Jan (Richard) Sheppard, Jean (Andrew) Medzis and Josephine (Thomas) Baltes; many cherished grandchildren & great-grandchildren; Chuck’s sons, David (Sandy) Brien and John (Paula) Brien; sister-in-law, Mary Sand; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, husbands, and companions, Helen was greeted in heaven by her brothers, Steve (Alice) Husz and John (Billie) Husz; and stepson, Charles A. Brien.
In accordance with Helen’s wishes and for the safety of all during this pandemic, PRIVATE family services will be held. A celebration of Helen’s life will be planned at a future date. You are invited and encouraged to witness the service livestream on Monday, October 19, 2020 at 11:00 am by visiting the funeral home website and selecting the link (https://youtu.be/dMK1RtuJRp0) included in Helen’s obituary. Entombment will follow in Calvary Cemetery Garden Crypts. In memory of Helen, dance to your favorite song with someone you love.
Patti Hansen says
Helen was probably the funniest lady I’ve ever met! I enjoyed her humor and her “go with the flow” attitude! My sincerest sympathies to all of her children and families! Hugs and prayers to all! I’m truly going to miss her! 🥲❤
Andy Medzis says
I am so fortunate to have married her daughter Jean, been part of a wonderful family, and grateful for the endless love of a wonderful mother-in-law. Peacefully rest, then…….
Get up and dance!
Lynn Johnson says
Through many luncheons and many hours of entertaining conversations. Lady made awesome roast. Always loved our get togethers from the early days of Perkins and other restaurants till the days when she choose to eat at home, always enjoyed spending time. So glad I met her through Jonny and that we remained friends. She’s probably dancing with Jesus as I write. She had a great sense of humor and I remember every phone conversation ended in a new joke. I am reminded that time is fleeting but Helen had no fear of death and she chose to truly live her life. She was blessed with wonderful children who took great care of her. I’m truly saddened by her passing and saddened even more that I didnt keep up our friendship as well as I should have. God bless and keep her dancing shoes forever in tune to the music.
Linda Fritzler says
I do believe Helen was one of the littlest, sweetest, spry ladies I have ever met /she made our hour in the pool so enjoyable. RIP Helen…along with all your family and friends who have passed on. You were a special treat of a lady. Will miss you!!
Patricia Banker Haas says
dear J’s, I thought of your mother so often this past week. She was a very good person who never had an unkind word for anyone. I’m sure your dad, Art,is happy to be reunited with her. I don’t know if I can dance but I will surely play and sing a song in her memory. Love and prayers, Pat Flanagan Haas
Jay Francis says
We love and will miss you Mom. You did a great job in raising the 5 of us.
Jay
Karen Jodal says
Dear Jay & Deb,
We enjoyed knowing your Mom. She was a sweet, fun lady! We will always remember to dance in her memory. She will be missed by all who knew her, that’s for sure. I think she IS dancing with Jesus now (as someone else wrote.) You and your family are in our prayers as you grieve your loss .
With our Love and sympathy, Karen & Bob
Mark Sheppard says
I feel very lucky to have spent so much time with you. I loved when you lived right by where I took guitar lessons as a kid, because we always got to visit. I loved when you lived with my parents when I was an adult, because we always got to visit. I love you and I will miss you dearly.
Barbara Gaulke says
To the best mother in law that anyone could have I will miss you dearly. You will always have a special place in my heart. Keep dancing as always. Much love to all. Love, Barbara