Mary M. Helf

Helf (nee Sokas), Mary M. Gladly and peacefully entered the embrace of our Savior on September 2 at the age of 90. Beloved and devoted wife of 54 years to the late Jerry. Proud mother to Tony (Ellen), George (Linda) and Marianne (Jim). Caring grandma of Shanna, Marisa, Cole, Adam, JuJu and Will. Further survived by nieces, nephews and friends. Preceded in death by brother Peter and sisters Emily (Sr. Nicola) and Julianne. The daughter of Lithuanian immigrants, Mary was a wannabe phys ed major in an era when such was discouraged and instead graduated from Chestnut Hill College in her hometown of Philadelphia with a degree in chemistry. She later joined the U.S. Air Force and attained the rank of Captain, often serving as the sole female in an otherwise all-male unit. Mary was an iconoclast, an unabashed early adopter of things such as health food, yoga and outdoor walks with skipoles, often to the chagrin of her children. Mary's faith and selflessness were her defining traits, relying on God to provide, and sacrificing her own needs when He could not. Visitation on Friday, September 6, at St. Charles Borromeo (5571 S. Marilyn St., Milwaukee) from 10 to 10:45 AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11 AM. Entombment to follow at St. Adalbert Cemetery.