Helen J. Birch

Helen J. Birch, age 96, Superior area resident, passed away on August 2, 2018. She was born on September 27, 1921 to Joseph and Justine (Kerhart) Depta. Helen attended the Sacred Heart Grade School and graduated from the old Cathedral High School in 1938. She attended Wisconsin State Teachers College for one year. She married Thaddeus “Ted” Birch in 1945 and they celebrated sixty-four years of marriage before his passing in 2010.

Helen was a working girl before and after her marriage to Ted. She worked in Superior at Newberry’s Dime Store, Superior Water Light & Power Company, Roth Brother’s Department Store, Tradehome Shoe Store and the Tax Accessor’s office in the former City Hall on Broadway.

Helen was a member of the former St. Cyril and Methodius Church where she served on their Altar Society and enjoyed singing in the choir. She was also a member of the former St. Stanislaus Church and St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Most recently she was a member of the Cathedral of the Christ the King Parish, the Catholic Daughters of America Court 1190, as well as the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association.

Helen enjoyed cooking and baking for her family. She also enjoyed crocheting, sewing, crafts, china painting, coloring and playing cards. She enjoyed playing rummy and often attended the Superior Senior Center on Mondays to play smear, which she enjoyed greatly. She especially enjoyed gaming with her children and family, and lately enjoyed visiting with family in friends and reminiscing.

Her kindness, generosity and compassion will be missed. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and auntie. Helen is now in the loving arms of Jesus.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; sister, Mary Gerizc (John); brothers, John, Joe, Pete, Andy, Steve and Tony; and many sisters and brothers-in-law.

She is survived by her daughters, Judy Birch and Christine Birch-Sabyan (Michael); granddaughter, Nicole Jensen (David); great-grandchildren, Jade, Desiree’ and Draden; in addition to many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at St. Mary’s Hospital of Superior, second floor, Drs. Zbaracki and DeFilippo for their kind and compassionate care.

Special thanks go to Helen’s neighbors, Bruce, Jen and Mary for their help and understanding.

Visitation will begin with a Catholic Daughters Rosary at 5:00 PM, Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at the Downs-LeSage Funeral Home, 1304 Hammond Avenue, Superior, and will continue until 7:00 PM.

Visitation will resume at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at Cathedral of Christ the King Catholic Church, 1111 Belknap Street, Superior, and will continue until the 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial with Rev. Fr. Andrew Ricci as celebrant.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

The Downs-LeSage Funeral Home, 1304 Hammond Avenue, Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit our website at www.downs-lesage.com .