Helen E. Cesnulis

Helen Cesnulis, a long-time resident of Monroe passed away on Saturday, May 28, 2016 at the age of 96 at ProMedica Ebeid Hospice in Sylvania, Ohio. Born on November 5, 1919 in Lorain, Ohio; Helen was the daughter of Walter and Domicele. She married Antanas Cesnulis in 1948 after a lengthy eight year separation due to World War II. Despite impossible odds, these two spirits separated by distance but bound by true love, overcame every obstacle which stood between them. This act earned the everlasting gratitude of the generations of their family which came after them....we thank them for their act of devotion to each other, to the uncertain hope of love, in the face of war. Helen served as a tailor for the Merchant Marines during WWII and after raising her two children she worked as a volunteer at the Damascus House in Monroe for many years until she retired at the age of 89. She was vivacious and loved spending time with people. Helen could frequently be found at the Monroe Center for Healthy Aging, having lunch and enjoying the companionship of her friends there. Even well into her 90's, Helen could occasionally be seen dancing at the live music events at the Center. She was a well-loved inspiration to all and embodied the Healthy Aging aspects of the Monroe Center. Her hobbies included a love for all things vintage... especially textiles, clothing and fashion. She was a talented seamstress, sewing for her own family and even making costumes for a local dance studio where her daughter had taken lessons many years ago. Helen leaves behind to cherish her memory, her daughter Irene Sobotincic of Monroe; her grandchildren Stacey Cesnulis, Stephanie Cesnulis and Stephen Sobotincic; her great grandson Jacob Justice as well as other loving family and friends. In addition to her parents and husband Antanas, she was preceded in death by her son Anthony Cesnulis, a granddaughter Samantha Cesnulis and her brother Felix. Visitation Thursday from 3pm to 8pm at The Allore Chapel of The Martenson Family of Funeral Homes, 203 E. Elm, Monroe. Funeral services celebrating Helen's life are on Friday at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Monroe where she will lie in state at 9am until funeral liturgy which will begin at 10 am. Interment Roselawn Memorial Park, LaSalle. Memorial contributions may be made as the donor chooses. To share a memory visit www.martenson.com Click on the multimedia tab to view Helen's video tribute.