Helen (Gidrewicz) Brysz

Helen Brysz of Hammond, Indiana, passed away peacefully at her home on January 27, 2022 at the age of 84. 

Helen was born in Zlobin, Belarus, and as a child, endured the tragedies of World War II.  After being taken to German labor camps, she and some of her family immigrated to the United States once they were freed by the Allies. 

Upon arriving in Chicago, she quickly learned to read and write English and over time, became an outstanding middle and high school student.  She became a US citizen in 1968.  Helen was fluent in four languages. 

Helen worked a series of jobs in Chicago and then was a machine operator at Cargill (American Maize) in Hammond.  She retired in 1999. 

Helen was a voracious reader and would often stay up very late to finish a few more pages or the entire book.  She loved flowers and always had the most beautiful garden with fresh vegetables that lasted all summer.  She was a great cook too!  Her pan fishing skills were on display while vacationing with her family in Minnesota and Michigan.  She was well-traveled and Marco Island was her very favorite place.  Sometimes the balance of the earth shifted because she picked up so many shells!  She genuinely enjoyed her visits to Washington State to visit her daughter Tina and loved the mountains and the water. 

She volunteered at Franciscan Health Hammond (St. Margaret’s Hospital) for almost 10 years.  She was always one to give to others and provided transportation, food and comfort to those that needed it.  She also had a soft spot for animals. 

Helen is survived by her three children, Victor, Hammond, IN, Tina (Jason) Kingston, WA and Lola, Michiana Shores, IN. 

Services will be private. Please plant a flower or some tomatoes in her honor if you are so inclined.