Obituary of Helen Stangis

Helen Ann Stangis July 15, 1934 - July 24, 2014 Helen Ann Gratz was born in Detroit on July 15, 1934. She was the daughter of the late Edmond Gratz and the late Margaret (Anteau) Gratz. Helen married the love of her life Donald J. Stangis on April 28, 1951 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in River Rouge. She and Donald moved to Trenton where they raised six children together. Helen was a kind and loving person to all who were blessed to cross her path, always putting others' needs ahead of her own. Helen's family was her life. She was a proud stay at home mom cherishing the time spent raising her large household. As a grandmother, Helen delighted in playing dice and cards with her grandchildren and great grandchildren Helen was talented in crafting, making floral arranging and ceramics. Often Helen would take some of her craft creations to nursing homes to lift the spirits of the patients. She was quite the world traveler visiting places such as Canada, Mexico and Spain. Helen enjoyed trying her luck at her favorite gambling spots across the nation. Helen Ann Stangis, age 80 of Newport passed away on Thursday, July 24, 2014 at Mercy Memorial Hospital. In addition to her parents, her passing was preceded by a son: Larry Stangis; a son-in-law: Daniel Greca; a sister: Patricia Ciangalione; two brothers: Thomas and Leo Gratz; a brother-in-law: William Powell; a great grandchild: Angel Micholuk. To cherish her memory, Helen leaves her loving husband of 63 years: Donald J. Stangis; four daughters: Christine (Nick) Vince , Kathleen Feaganes, Constance Greca (Mark Haddix) and Nancy (Mitchell) Allgood; two sons: Brian (Jenny) Stangis and Donald E. Stangis; two brothers: Richard (Lucy) Gratz and Gerald Gratz; two sisters: Marianne Powell and Anne (William) Canfield; a brother-in-law: Victor Ciangalione; twelve grandchildren: Angela (Chris) Joyner, Renee (Tom) Acs, RJ. Stangis, Ryan Vince, (Carrie Byrd), Dominic Vince, Anthony (Roxanne) Feaganes, Tracy Micholuk (Terry), Daniel T. Jr. Greca (Sara), David Greca, Derek Greca, Spencer Allgood and Meagen Allgood; thirteen great grandchildren: Isabella, Samuel, Joshua, Ariana, David, Jason, Jacob, & Joshua.; Kyle, Keeley, Anthony Jr., Logan and Daniel III . Helen will Lie-In-State at Divine Grace Parish, St. Patrick's Church in Carleton at 10:00am on Saturday, July 26, 2014 until Mass of the Resurrection at 11:00am with Father John Dumas officiating. Memorial donations are suggested to Father Solanus Guild. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com; selecting the Online Tributes page.