Helen M. (Petrilak) Conn

  Helen was born in Phillipsburg, New Jersey to the late Michael and Helen (Tobias) Petrilak, on December 6, 1934.   

  In the summer of 1956, Helen married Stanley C. Bikowski. On February 11, 1966 Helen married Donald R. Conn. Donald survives along with Helen’s daughters, Karen (Kevin) Surma of Ludlow, VT and Lori (William) Zimmerman of Granger, IN and grandchildren Evan (Alyssa) of Cadillac, MI, Ethan of Austin, TX and Elyse Zimmerman of Niles, MI.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Mary Bikowski and sisters, Margaret Arch and Irene Fadero along with her niece, Ann Marie Arch.  She is also survived by nephews and nieces, Patti (Jim) Reimler, Michael Fadero, Nicholas (Peggy) Fadero, Nancy Fadero, Steven (Lisa) Fadero and Maria (Gary) Crockett, all of Charlotte, NC.  Helen will be dearly missed by all her family and friends but especially by her loving husband, Don, who has cared for her through several health issues over the recent years.

  For over thirty-five years Helen was employed at Royal Globe Insurance as a Liability Claims secretary. In her free time, she enjoyed collecting stamps, putting together puzzles, spending time with her grandchildren, watching Notre Dame athletics, and raising her AKC Pekingese dogs.

  Helen’s greatest joy was spending time with her three beautiful grandchildren whom she loved dearly and supporting them in their many activities.  She was very proud of all their accomplishments. They were truly the lights of her life who made her smile whenever they were together.

  Helen was a life member of The American Legion Post 357 Women’s  Auxiliary, Past Department President of 8 & 40, a member of Holy Family Catholic Church and a past member of the American Kennel Club (AKC).

  The family would like memorial contribution made in Helen’s name to Pet Refuge, 4626 Burnette Drive, South Bend, IN 46614.

    The visitation will be at 5:00 P.M., and a Celebration of Life at 6:00 P.M. on Tuesday, October 12th.with Fr. Glenn Kohrmann officiating. Burial will take place at a later date at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola, IN.

  The HANLEY and Son’s Funeral Home and Cremation Service handled arrangements and extends its deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayer to Helen’s family and friends.

  Condolences may be expressed at: www.hanleyandsonsfuneralhomes.com

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