Mary J Chism

Mary J. Chism Helwick, 93, of Kearney passed peacefully to the fullness of God’s love in her home, Saturday, September 5, 2015. A memorial mass will be held Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at 2:30 PM at Prince Of Peace Catholic Church in Kearney. Father Art Faesser, will officiate. Requesting no visitation, Mary will be interred at Pleasanton Cemetery, Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at 11:30 AM. Memorials are suggested to Kearney Catholic High School Tuition Assistance Fund in her memory. Born February 9, 1922 to Herman and Julie (Husa) Geisler of Pleasanton, NE. She attended Pleasanton High School and graduated with the Class of 1939. She married Thomas Chism June 18, 1943 in Olympia, Washington. Thomas passed away in 1990. She found love again in her marriage to Harold Helwick, December 27, 1997 in Kearney, NE. Mary was an excellent cook opening her first restaurant, Mac And Jacs, on Highway 30 at the age of 18 with her sister Jacqueline. She cooked at the Rainbow Cafe, TelStar, owned the Tiffin Cafe and retired in 1988 after 13 years at the Kearney Youth Development Center where she is fondly remembered for her specialty cinnamon rolls. She continued to cook per request for elderly community members, working part-time for Beltone Hearing Center, and was a charter volunteer for the Knights of Columbus Community Thanksgiving Meal and many years thereafter. Mary was actively involved in the original Prince of Peace Catholic Community serving many years as Eucharistic minister with her husband Harold Helwick. She is survived by two children, Mark Chism of Kearney NE; LeAnne Chism of Stockton, CA, Sister Iane Gray,of Killen TX; Step-children Janet Graham of Shelton, NE; John Helwick of Lincoln, NE; Linda Van Zandt of Checotah, OK; Shirley Helwick of Odessa, NE; and Robyn Helwick of Longmont, CO; 3 Grandchildren, 3 Great Grandchildren, and 1 Great Great Grandchild, Numerous Nieces, Nephews and extended family. Mary was preceded in death, by her Parents, Husband Thomas Chism, Husband Harold Helwick, Daughter Julie Chism, Son Thomas Chism, Step-son, Lonnie Helwick, Brothers Lawrence, Amil, Earl, and Bernard Geisler, Sisters Mrs. Minnie Maxiner, Mrs. Jacqueline Johnson, and Mrs. Eunice Reitz. Horner, Lieske, McBride, & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services are in charge of arrangements. Condolences, tributes may be left at www.hlmkfuneral.com.

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Mary J Chism

February 9, 1922 - September 5, 2015