Helen R. Nowak, age 97, of Manistee, MI passed away peacefully Thursday, May 21, 2020 at her home. She was born April 13, 1923 in Manistee and was the daughter of the late Casimer & Gustie (Pieczynski) Chycinski. She was a graduate of Manistee High School with the class of 1942. Helen married Carl A. Nowak on August 6, 1949 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manistee. In 1951, Helen and Carl opened and operated Carl's Market on Vine Street serving Manistee resident's for nearly 30 years until they retired in 1980. He preceded her in death on May 13, 1995.
Helen was an avid Pinochle player and also enjoyed playing BINGO. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She always made holidays and birthdays special by sending cards to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren since their births. Helen volunteered numerous hours of her time and work as part of the MCC/St. Joseph Paczki Crew. She was a member of Divine Mercy Parish (St. Joseph Catholic Church) and was also a member of the Rosary-Altar Society of the parish.

She is survived by 1 daughter and son-in-law, Gail & David Anderson of Ludington, MI; 2 sons and daughters-in-law, Allen & Patricia Nowak of Tawas City, MI and Philip & Susan Nowak of East Lansing, MI; seven grandchildren, Jared (Kaci) Nowak, Katie (Ben) Sattelberg, Lindsay (Cody) Baker, Britney (Brian) Lindsey, Allison (Dylan) Edminster, Katelin Anderson and Kelsey Anderson (fiancé Matthew Pizzo); nine great-grandchildren, Annalyn, and Stafford Nowak, Rachel, Addison, Luke, and Ella Sattelberg, Sydney, Hadley and Brooks Baker. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive her.

She was preceded in death by two brothers and sisters-in-law, Peter & Celia Chycinski and Joseph & Rose Chye and one sister and brother-in-law, Julia & Harry Konicki.

Private family, Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Divine Mercy Parish (St. Joseph Church) of Manistee with Rev. Zeljko Guberovic celebrant. Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery also in Manistee. Members of the Divine Mercy Parish Rosary-Altar Society will lead a Rosary service at 11:00 AM at the church before her funeral Mass.

A memorial will be established in Helen's name to Manistee Catholic Central Schools. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements. Herbertfh.com