Helen B. Powers

Helen B. Powers, nee Onak, age 90, of Munster, IN, formerly of Harvey, IL, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 12, 2025.

Helen was born into a large family, the youngest of nine kids. As a child she swam in “the clay hole,” played marbles, hop scotch and jump rope. She graduated high school and enjoyed a satisfying career in the insurance business working “downtown” (Chicago), until settling down to family life.

In 1959 she married Gracson Powers and together they raised six children. Helen and all the aunts and uncles created lasting memories for the kids focused on rites of passage and holidays - birthday parties, card parties, picnics at the woods - all involving playful fun and laughter. Polish Christmas Eve traditions have been passed down to the next generation but nothing can match the magic of Santa’s visit to Grandma Onak’s basement! Family activities included swimming at the Harvey pool, downhill skiing, and family vacations camping all over the country with their VW bus in the ‘70s and 80s. Those were great times!

Helen returned to work as an administrative assistant and retired proudly from Ingalls Memorial Hospital where she worked for the CEO of behavioral health. After 43 years of marriage, she was widowed, and moved to Munster, Indiana. She took great personal satisfaction in her house and yard, appreciating neighbors she liked and trusted.

Her senior years were active and fun. She always had a reason to get dressed and get out of the house. Church and lunch at Gabe’s, vacations with the adult kids and the grandkids, shopping, gardening, she kept busy! Overnight casino trips with “the girls” continued up until the end!

Helen is survived by her children Natalie (Patrick) Dempsey, Jackie (Ken Hazel) Powers, John (Mary) Powers, and Eric Powers; her grandchildren Jeffrey, Brendan, Jacob, Julia, Melanie, Cora, Max, Leo, and Zac; her sisters-in-law Jean Onak and Eleanor Onak; her best friend Jo Snow, and many nieces and nephews.

There is a big welcoming committee in Heaven for Helen! She outlived all known family members, achieving her goal of making it to 90. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gracson, her five brothers and three sisters, her parents Jacob and Mary Onak, her son Paul Powers, her daughter Grace Powers, her granddaughter Rachel Powers, and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. directly at Lord of Mercy/St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 15746 Union Ave, Harvey, IL. Memorial contributions may be given to the Cancer Resource Center (926 Ridge Rd, Munster, IN 46321) or Lord of Mercy/St. John the Baptist Church.  Arrangements entrusted to Smits Funeral Home. For further information, please call 219-322-7300 or visit our online obituary and guestbook at www.SMITSFH.com