Helena Chantaca

CHANTACA, Helena - passed away on August 15, 2022 at the age of 85.  Born on May 26, 1937 in Brest-Litowsk, Poland to Leonard and Anastasia (Turczenko) Szatukiewicz, Helena's life was an incredible journey.  Having survived her childhood in war torn Europe, she boarded the General R M Blatchford on January 1, 1950. With her mother and stepfather, she passed through Ellis Island and arrived in the United States at the age of 12.  Her tenacity and thirst for knowledge drove her scholastic abilities, and she graduated young, from Bay City Central High School.  She went on to college, where she met her future husband, Peter Paul Chantaca, whom she would marry on September 13, 1958, after completing her bachelor’s degree program from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.  She continued her pursuit of knowledge by obtaining her Master's Degree from Central Michigan University.  Helena and Pete settled in Flint, MI, raising their family of three daughters and working for General Motors.  Helena retired from GM, where she had worked in several administrative areas, including education and training, workers compensation, and benefits.  Preceded by her spouse in death, Helena moved to Livingston County to reside with her daughters. Throughout her life, Helena was devoted to her Catholic faith, particularly to the Mother of Perpetual Help, and a longtime parishioner of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church.  She was fluent in several languages and was an avid reader. Knitting was her lifelong hobby, which she began at a young age by knitting sweaters for the GI’s in Europe. She loved musicals and enjoyed watching old movies. She also loved gardening, and was especially fond of her many beautiful roses. She was a wonderful mom and grandma and will be missed very much.  Helena is survived by her three daughters (and spouses), Elena Chantaca (Jeff Bassett), Annette Chantaca (Jason Fitch), and Nancy Chantaca (Randy Brownell); six granddaughters, Amanda & Kristine Bassett, Darah (Conner Krause), Erin & Samantha Fitch, and Jordan Chantaca.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated 12:00 PM Friday, September 16, 2022 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 1227 E. Bristol Road, Burton with Fr. Timothy MacDonald Celebrant. The family will receive friends from 11 AM until the time of Mass at the church, and a luncheon will be provided following service at Redwood Steakhouse, 5304 Gateway Centre Blvd, Flint, MI 48507.  A private family Interment will be held at a later date at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Road, Holly.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org/). Arrangements by Sharp Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 6063 Fenton Road, Grand Blanc, MI 48507.  Online tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com