Helen Patricia Szymanski

Helen P. Szymanski, Age 94, of Frankfort, IL passed away on Thursday May 8, 2025, while on vacation in Florida with her family. Her final weeks were filled with sunshine, glasses of cabernet, polka music by the pool, and cuddles from both of her great-grandchildren.

Helen was born in Posen, IL, the eleventh of thirteen children. Orphaned at a young age, she was raised by her devoted siblings, forging a lifelong bond of love and resilience that remained central to her identity. Family was her cornerstone, her heart, her purpose, and her joy.

Helen met the love of her life, Matt Szymanski, when she was still a girl. He famously told her he’d “look her up” when she was older, and true to his word, he did. Years later, their paths crossed again, and he left her a note at the restaurant where she worked, asking her to give him a call. In a time when it was nearly unheard of for a woman to call a man, Helen took a chance and made the call. That brave, simple act marked the beginning of a love story that would span over 50 beautiful years.

Helen often said the best day of her life was their wedding day. Her bridesmaids wore dresses in every color of the rainbow, and the celebration began with a joyful pancake brunch and continued into the early hours of the next morning. It was a reflection of the warmth, hospitality, and vibrance she would bring into every gathering for the rest of her life.

Over the years, Helen held many jobs, but none more sacred to her than her roles as mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother… or as she was best known to many, simply “Nana.” Her kindness was boundless, her presence unwavering. She became not only the heart of her own family, but a second mother and grandmother to countless others whose lives she touched. After her passing, one sentiment echoed from friend to friend, neighbor to neighbor: “She felt like my Nana, too.”

Helen was a beautiful soul. She was steadfast, gentle, and full of quiet wisdom. She truly never knew a stranger. She leaves behind a legacy of love, family, and community that will continue to bloom in all who knew her.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Helen is survived by her daughter, Karen (Tom) Kiley, daughter-in-law Rita Szymanski, grandchildren: Kate Szymanski, Kelsie (Christopher) Stare, Matthew (Krutika) Kiley, Krista (Tommy Piet) Kiley, great grandchildren: Roman Stare and Rayna Kiley, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Helen was preceded in death by her loving husband of 50 years, Matt Szymanski, son, Frank Szymanski, Her parents Michael and Katherine Chochrek, 12 siblings, and many nieces and nephews.

Family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 65 Old Frankfort Way, Frankfort, IL 60423 on Friday, May 16th, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Funeral Service Saturday, May 17th, 2025, 10:15 A.M. Mass at St. Veronica Parish (Formerly known as Infant Jesus of Prague), 1131 Douglas ave, Flossmoor, IL 60422. Interment, Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Frankfort, IL 60423.