Helen Mahsem
Age - 87
December 5, 2023
Helen was called back to heaven on Tuesday November 28, 2023. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert, parents Ross and Elinor Quick, and her sister Susan Kotke. Helen was born in Laona, Wisconsin on August 20th, 1936. Her younger years were spent in northern Wisconsin and parts of Michigan. Her parents moved to the Milwaukee and Cudahy area in the 1950's when her dad became employed by Ladish. She briefly attended Bayview HS before moving to California with her aunt Susie and uncle Red. She stayed with them a short time before returning to Cudahy. She continued to enjoy traveling mostly after retirement, to Mexico, Las Vegas, and Massachusetts, among other destinations. She met Robert, her future husband, while living and working in Cudahy, and married him after a short romance in 1956. They were married at Holy Family Catholic Church on April 28, 1956, and held their wedding reception at The Pulaski Inn. Her wedding dress was worn 30 years later by her only daughter Judi. The newlyweds decided to have a large family and raised six children together. Her family grew quickly, as she had her first five children in seven years. Robert, Jr followed three years later. Her first two children have the same birthday one year apart. Her time and energy was spent caring for her growing family. Family vacations were taken up north every summer. All her children attended Holy Family and Cudahy schools. Helen spent all of her adult life "mothering". All her children's friends were asked to call her "Ma" instead of Mrs. Mahsem. She was down to earth and liked to have a house full of kids, "that way I know no one is causing trouble. " She liked everyone and was well liked by others. She believed that everyone was made for a reason and had a special gift to share. She liked good music and enjoyed seeing Bruce Springsteen, Steve Miller, Paul Simon and Neil Diamond live. Even though she did not graduate from HS she loved words and trivia. She seemed to know everything. She would say "oh piffle" routinely when things sounded ridiculous or she caught her kids in a lie. Cursing was not tolerated and viewed as a sign of ignorance. Once all of her children were school aged, she worked outside of the home. Her work ethic set the example for all who knew and worked with her, "if you aren't going to do your best why bother?" She particularly enjoyed working in the kitchen at St. Francis Hospital, their she'd often wear holiday headbands to brighten patient's day. This was her last job before retirement. When it came to games, Helen was quite competitive. Whether it be cards, scrabble, shut the box, bingo or yahtzee, she'd be sure to let you know how she felt if she was losing! She liked homemade food, desserts especially ice cream, watching the birds and other wildlife. She was widowed in 1989 and never remarried. She became a pet owner and surprised everyone by getting "Sassy Cat. " For a while she fed the neighborhood stray's homemade cat food. She learned to drive later in life so that she could be independent, she did not want to rely on anyone to take her places. Her mother moved in with her after Robert died, she cared for Elinor for many years. She loved her grandchildren and showed this by making each visit special, she did not judge or criticize and only offered advice if asked. She was happy for every success and confident that any setbacks would be short lived. She also was a great and great great grandmother. Helen will be missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her children: David (Kathleen), Ronald (Terri), Andrew (Carol), Peter (Sandra), Judith (Keith) Cretens, Robert, Jr (Brian). Grandchildren: Veronica (Dustin) Romans, Benjamin, Jennifer, Jessica, Maggie (Chris) Liebl, Katie (Tyler) Rademann, Peter Jr. , Joshua, Nick, Alanna (Craig) Kosovich, Matilda Cretens. Great grandchildren: Eli and Elinor Romans, Mason Chitwood, Rosemary and Sophia Rademann, Larissa (Eric Sr. ) Quinones, Haven, Israel and Joeziah Kosovich, Luke. Great Great grandchildren: Liam, Eric Jr. Ezra and Enzo Quinones. And other family, nephews, nieces and friends. Her family would especially like to thank St. Ann's adult care for the wonderful service they provided to Helen during her last year. Their services allowed Helen to stay in her home until the end.Show more
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