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Shannon Zalanka posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 24, 2021
Our names are Thomas and Shannon Zalanka, John, Helen's 2nd Husband is Tom's father. We first met Grandma Helen in 1981 when Tom was stationed at F.E. Warren AFB, Cheyenne, Wyoming. John and Helen came to see us on the base. Helen loved our kids and treated our 3 boys and 3 girls, ages 1-9, as her own! We would often get together for a visit when John and Helen lived in Broomfield. In the summer of 1985, John had surgery. Helen arranged for Tom and I to fly to Denver for a surprise visit to see John while in recovery from his surgery. John cried as Tom walked up into the house. This was a special time for us all, and we all cried, and were grateful that Helen wanted us to come and see John. In 1986 Tom was commissioned an officer in the USAF, in Corvallis, Oregon. Grandad John and Grandma Helen came for the special occasion. We all had a great time going to the beach and touring the coast of Oregon. John passed away in 1990. A year later Grandma Helen flew to Alaska to see us! This was something she and John wanted to do. We had a great time together touring parts of Alaska. To this day our grown kids remember how good and kind Grandma Helen was to them growing up. We live in Utah and will miss talking with Helen on the phone. She would always ask about how the kids are doing. Helen is a woman of great faith who loves the Lord. We would often talk about scriptures, and how blessed we are because of our loving Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus Christ. We rejoice at the great time Helen is having with her family and John. We love and miss Helen, but believe that families can be together forever. May God be with us all until we meet again!
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Faith Posted Nov 24, 2021 at 8:38 PM
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Sandy Welbon Posted Nov 24, 2021 at 8:39 PM
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Kurt Stropas Posted Nov 26, 2021 at 11:07 AM
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Taylor Welbon posted a condolence
Monday, November 22, 2021
Grandma Helen- though you are not my blood grandmother, that is the only love you have ever shown me.
I had the absolute joy and honor of getting to spend hours every week talking with you, it was the highlight of my week. We talked about everything from your past, our faith, our families, and everything in between. You had such an incredible memory that sometimes I would forget things I shared with you, and you always remembered.
I could have listened to you tell stories all day long. You had such a way of captivating people and making them feel so incredibly loved and important. I feel it will always be hard to walk by your room and not go in to see you. I can still hear your laugh and see your smile, which makes the days a little easier. You had an amazing way of lighting up any room, Gods love just shining through you.
My favorite memories will always be you being so concerned that I am not the best cook, and that your grandson had to cook dinner for us most nights. You would always rattle off recipes and things for me to try that were “so easy, anyone can do it”. I remember the pure joy on your face when I made Adam elk lasagna, and you were so impressed and happy that your grandson wouldn’t be going hungry! How Italian of you!
You made quite the mark on this world, and I am so thankful to have known you. You are so very very missed. Until we see each other again.
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Sandy Welbon Posted Nov 22, 2021 at 7:36 PM
Taylor, grandma was always so excited when you were there in her room!! She adored you!! If it weren’t for you being the Assistant Director of Nursing at Westlake, we would have never been able to get mama in there!! Our family will forever be grateful to you!! I’m not sure she knew what an amazing baker you are!! She would have been so impressed!! Thank you for loving her so well!!
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Faith Posted Nov 23, 2021 at 6:16 AM
Taylor what a blessing you were to mom. Thank you. I’m not sure without you how we would have been able to give mom the comfort and incredible care. The Lord brought you to us and I am so thankful.
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Kurt Stropas Posted Nov 26, 2021 at 10:35 AM
Taylor, thank you for your kind words about Mom.
I’m so thankful you were able to be one of her caregivers!
Love,
Uncle Kurt
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Sharon Magnus posted a symbolic gesture
Saturday, November 20, 2021
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While reading all these beautiful memories and tributes of Helen, I was reminded of Proverbs 22:1 -
A good name is more desirable than great riches;
to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
Helen’s life brought honor to her Heavenly Father, and blessings without measure, to all who knew her! She certainly has a good name, and the richness of her character, and love for Jesus Christ, is leaving a priceless legacy behind her.
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Sandy Welbon Posted Nov 20, 2021 at 6:36 PM
Sharon, what a perfect scripture verse to describe mama!! Thank you!! ❤️
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Alese posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
This is one of the hardest letters I’ve ever had to write. Every time I sat down to put my thoughts into words, a rush of emotion would settle in that I didn’t want to swallow. I did what I do a lot when I face adversity or something stirs up emotions in me… I turn away and distract myself. The irony is that my grandma faced adversity in her life… she faced a lot of it. She faced it head on, without distraction, and was stronger for it. In more recent years, Grandma Helen and I became very close. We talked on the phone most weeks and she grew to be someone I truly leaned on in life. I always knew I could go to her for prayer. I could go to her for advice, wisdom, a recipe, or simply a good laugh. I still catch myself getting into my car and wanting to call her out of habit. Sometimes I’ll listen to her voicemails she left me. Even those hold precious nuggets of her wisdom in them.
She loved people so well. That’s an undeniable fact that I think everyone in her life would agree on. She embodied the purest form of Christian faith… “love God, love people.”
One memory that I have with grandma that I will always treasure was during a trip Chris and I went on together. It was our first time away from both our kids. We had a long layover so I went for an undistracted walk and called her in the airport. We chatted for almost 2 hours. She opened up to me about some of the hardest seasons of her life. She poured into me because I was in one of those seasons myself. I hold that memory dear to me… strolling through an airport will forever remind me of her.
I’ll end by saying “THANK YOU” to my precious grandma. Thank you for placing God at the forefront of your life and leading by example for our family. Thank you for allowing God to speak through you and your stories to encourage others. Thank you for teaching me that when adversity strikes to not run away from it but face it. I bet you didn’t think in the thick of your life’s struggles that one day they would be used to strengthen your granddaughter.
I love you, I miss you, and I look forward to seeing you again.
Alese (Lesey)
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Sandy Welbon Posted Nov 17, 2021 at 8:58 PM
I’m at a loss for words, Lesey!! All I can say is thank you for loving grandma so well!! I will never forget how excited she was when she told me that you wanted her to call you every week!! This was such a gift to her!! Your conversations with her gave her purpose!! ❤️
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Faith Posted Nov 23, 2021 at 3:12 PM
Alese it’s hard to even leave a response. You and Gma had such a special bond. We will see her again. Much love
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Kurt Stropas Posted Nov 26, 2021 at 11:17 AM
Alese, thanks for you beautiful tribute to Grandma!
She loved and cress for us all so much!
Love,
Uncle Kurt
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Adam Welbon posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
Grandma Helen’s influence can be felt along 3 generations and more to come. Her love of Christ and love for her family we’re second to none. She had immense Italian pride, a love of music and of cooking. All of these things are important to her family because of her. Her laugh was contagious and brightened everyone’s day.
Your spirit and attributes live on in us Grandma, and we will strive to honor your legacy! Have the angels play Sinatra on repeat until we meet again one day, we love you!
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Sandy Welbon Posted Nov 17, 2021 at 4:28 PM
Your tribute to grandma is so true in every respect, son!! She was gleeful when she found out you love Frank Sinatra!! She loved you beyond words!! The picture I found of the 3 of us the day of your college graduation was so special!! She wrote the particulars on the back of it, and added, “Adam graduated Cuma Lada!!” She was always so proud of you!!
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Faith Posted Nov 17, 2021 at 4:46 PM
Right! She loved you and your big meatballs. Gma was one of the first ‘foodies’ and she always commented on those meatballs.
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Kurt Stropas Posted Nov 26, 2021 at 10:45 AM
So well said Adam! Grandma’s great influences are a blessing to us all! And yes, some Sinatra and maybe Dean Martin too!
Love,
Uncle Kurt
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Bill Welbon posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
Dearest Mom: I met you 45 years ago when Sandy brought me home to meet you. From the very start you showed me kindness, warmth, unbelievable cooking, and in a short time, a whole lotta love. You came from a remarkable generation that will never be duplicated "The Greatest Generation!" But through all your heartaches and tough circumstances growing up....your love of your parents, siblings, and family always shined brightly as you spoke. The Sunday afternoons eating Frosty's, and hearing about Sopras, Trinidad, Arnara Italy (Your Father), Ceccone Italy (Your Mother), your wild side as a teenager riding in a convertible with George, Uncle Frank and others. How I've missed going into training to eat your homemade ravioli's, Beef Wellington and everything Italian. So thankful Faith and Sandy have made the ravioli's. As several people have mentioned, your remarkable memory!! Everybody, and I mean everybody's birthdays, cell phone numbers, current events in your family's lives you could recall. When a family crisis would arise, Sandy would immediately go to the phone to call you and ask you to pray, you were a fierce prayer warrior! You were a great witness and ambassador of our Savior Jesus Christ at Westlake, everybody there loved and adored you! Upon ending our phone conversation, you always ended the call with four words which I cherished, "I Love You Son." It's comforting to know I will hear those words again!! Thank you for being the Best Mother In Law ever! I Love & Miss You Mom... Bill
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Sandy Welbon Posted Nov 17, 2021 at 4:37 PM
What an honor it was for me to have you by my side the day we saw mama for the last time!! She went to her heavenly home 18 hours after we were there!! I will never forget that although she was not responsive, when you knelt down to whisper something in her ear (that you informed me was just between you and her), she slightly nodded her head!! Oh how she loved you, Bill!!
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Chris posted a symbolic gesture
Monday, November 15, 2021
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I call Helen-- Grandma Helen. She wasn't my blood grand mother. But since the day Alese introduced me to her, particularly after we were married, she has always accepted me as a grandson. Many people have that same story -- Grandma Helen welcoming them, accepting them, loving them as her own. Uniquely to Grandma Helen, though, is the fact that she didn't just say it. She showed it with her actions. She remembered to call on every birthday. She didn't even know my own family personally, but she remembered each of their names and asked how they were each time we talked. If only I had a memory like Grandma Helen! Two fondest memories come to mind. The first was before Alese and I had Hemming and Liam. We visited Grandma Helen during a trip to Denver, and fortunately for us we got onto the topic of her upbringing. As a history nerd myself, my eyes were wide with wonder at hearing her first-hand history come to life. She was a great story teller with, of course, an amazing recollection of the details. I particularly enjoyed hearing about she and her family's "victory garden" as a child during World War 2. She lived through quite a stretch in our country's history. The second memory is one that, fortunately, will be alive for all time -- when we captured a picture with 4 generations of women. Grandma Helen as the matriarch, followed by daughter Sandy, granddaughter Alese, and great-granddaughter Hemming. Few families can say they could capture that in a picture, and I will treasure it forever. Grandma Helen lived a full life, and she will be sorely but sweetly missed. As Dustin Hoffman says as his last words in one of my favorite movies -- "Light bulbs die, my sweet; I will depart." For Grandma Helen, that is no doubt into the Glory of Heaven, into the arms of Jesus. My prayers for everyone during this time of grief and remembrance -- Chris Deans
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Sandy Welbon Posted Nov 16, 2021 at 10:26 PM
Christopher, you have no idea how your memories and kind words have blessed all who read this!! Grandma was so proud of you and Alese, and Hemming and Liam brought her such great joy!! Thank you for always taking the time to call her and return her calls!! That meant the world to her!!
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Karlea DiGiacomo posted a symbolic gesture
Friday, November 12, 2021
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Dear Aunt Helen, When I think of you, it makes me smile. Such a giving and caring woman; so honest and gentle. You enriched all of us with your passion for life and your faith. I feel so grateful to have had you in my life and I will forever honor you the best that I can. I always loved that I would get a card and a phone call from you on my birthday every year. You never forgot! Thank you for always making me feel so special. I will miss that in the coming years.
Thank you for being so welcoming to Doug when he joined the family. That meant so much to me. I wish we had more time to make you the ravioli and sauce we always said we would have together.
What an honor that Ella shares with you (and Great Grandma Stropas) the very special date of July 25. This has been and will always be something we talk about every year. I promise that we will forever honor you on this day! And I’m sorry you never got to meet Lincoln. He would have loved to sit with you and tell you all about anything and everything that was on his mind.
Most of all, Aunt Helen, I want you to know that you hold a very special place in my heart. You always put everyone else first; that’s what great women do! I will never forget how much you helped out my Grandma when she was sick. You took her to appointments and to lunch, kept her company when she was lonely, and were there by her side whenever she needed a friend. I will forever be grateful that she had someone like you until the very end.
I wish I had one more chance to talk to you and give you one last hug. I know we'll meet again some day and until we do, I will honor and treasure your memory.
Love,
Karlea
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Faith Posted Nov 12, 2021 at 3:58 PM
Thank you Karlea. She loved you and Doug. The videos you sent towards the end of Lincoln and all of you made her smile. Mom lived with your grandma before any of us kids were born and she was with your grandma most the time at the end. What a special relationship. Love
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Tyler Montgomery uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, November 10, 2021
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Grandma Helen, I miss you but I know you’re free now. What you’ve done for me, and meant to me in my life, I probably never adequately conveyed. I thank you for all the times you were there for me. I thank you for your consistent care and concern over everything going on in my life. I thank you for the love you showed my family and friends. I thank you for the relationships you established with Riley and Kaiya - they will always have, cherish, and remember. I thank you for teaching me to enjoy the finer things in life like good food and the beautiful scenery of the world. I thank you for encouraging and strengthening my faith (Philippians 4:13). I thank you for taking my calls even when you didn’t feel good. And most of all I thank you for being my Grandma. I miss you much, and I look forward to seeing you again one day, the way I did when I was younger. Love, Tyler
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Sharon Magnus posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 9, 2021
When I think of Helen, the first thing that comes to my mind is her smile and warm, welcoming heart.
Although Helen and I had seen each other at various events in the past, we saw each other most, the past couple of years.
Visiting with Helen, was always a gift for me.
She graciously shared her time, and often shared about her family. Memories of her homemade Italian meals, shared with those she loved, were fun for her to relive, and I delighted in the joy she expressed.
Her love for and pride in her family was obvious in the tone of her voice and in the brightness of her eyes, when she talked about them.
Sometimes when Helen and I chatted, she honestly shared that she was weary, or a bit down. I was struck by her honesty, and also by the fact that although she wasn’t feeling her best, she did not complain about it.
Helen’s source of hope, and her firm foundation, was in her Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, who she trusted and loved.
Helen was a kind friend who shared from her past and in so doing, I “saw” her beautiful example of loving her family and sacrificing of herself, to care for their needs. She was a very hard worker who had a “zest” for life, and an adventurous spirit!
Helen had a tender love for her children and grandchildren and a faithful love for her Lord. She was an example to me of strength and courage, of vulnerability and honesty, while she was on her journey into the love and presence of her Father.
I am so grateful for Helen’s indelible touch upon my life, and I rejoice that she is now Home!
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Sandy Welbon uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, November 9, 2021
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Where do I start…I don’t want to write a book about my mama so I will make this as short as possible!! As we all know mothers are unique because they carried us for 9 months before we were born!! They spend their entire lives nurturing, loving, and caring for us!! When Jesus calls them home, there is a deep void in our hearts!! This is what I’m experiencing right now!! When I needed prayer, mama was the first one I called!! She was a FIERCE prayer warrior!! The words that come to mind for her are “extraordinary, remarkable, intentional, passionate, and STRONG!! My mom was a fighter!! She suffered many things in her life and got knocked down plenty, but she always got back up and persevered through the trials!! She loved Jesus, her family, and friends intensely!! She was loyal to all God put in her life!! She had a great sense of humor and was a bright light to all she came in contact with!! The staff at Westlake Long Term Care that was home to mama for the past 3 years adored her!! They are all grieving alongside us!! She has left an indelible mark on so many and her legacy lives on for all eternity!! She squeezed every last ounce out of this life and on November 1, 2021 she REALLY began to live!! I somehow know when Jesus greeted her, she heard those words she so longed to hear, “Well done good and faithful servant!” See you soon mama!!!
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Casey Montgomery posted a condolence
Monday, November 8, 2021
Dearest Grandma Helen,
Take my hand and walk with me
I want to share some memories
Eating oatmeal for breakfast when we stayed with you overnight, I had to add some sugar
Climbing the willow tree in your back yard until we got too high and you said that was enough
Sitting down by the fire in your basement with my brother and cousins
The amazing Christmas meals your made, raviolis, home made pasta, cabbage rolls, the "Gravy" sauce, sautéed spinach and all the fixings
This wonderful cooking inspired me to find a love for cooking
I cannot remember where you were driving me home from, but I remember the song 'Oops There Goes Another Rubber Tree Plant' by the great Frank Sinatra, which lead me to listen to him and others from his time and I still enjoy them today
You moving to your townhome which was by my high school and I should have visited more
All of the big moments in my life, high school graduation, college graduation, marriage twice, Brooke being born and her first birthday, you were always there for me
Your bought me a mower when I moved into my first house and I loved it because I only had an electric and I took care of that mower and it lasted over 10 years
Always calling and sending cards to my wife Dawn and our daughters Jade and Brooke on their birthday
When you came over for Christmas in 2016 and and I made Beef Wellington for you
Your 90th Birthday was so special and to see how you packed a room with all your family and friends was amazing
I also appreciated that you wanted my in-laws there, they also spoke so nice of you and it was so great for you to do the same
All the times when I called and asked what I could make for you and bring it over when you were in the senior home (your love of cooking that you passed on to me paid off)
The conversations we had over those meals were great, they were meaningful, fun, intelligent, insightful, wise and you always wanted to know how Dawn and my girls were doing
I am so sorry but as time drew down I was not able to be there as much and in the end did not see you for quite a while but I wanted to have these memories over all others, I hope you understand.
Your influence on my life cannot be measured
Thank you for the walk
And we will talk, again some day
So Much Love You,
Casey, Dawn, Jade and Brooke
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Sandy Welbon Posted Nov 9, 2021 at 8:45 AM
Wow just wow, Casey!! Tears!! Thank you for sharing so many wonderful memories about grandma!!
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Tyler Montgomery Posted Nov 10, 2021 at 7:45 AM
Absolutely amazing my Brother! You captured so many beautiful memories, many of which we experienced together. Thank you for sharing it made me smile, laugh, and shed some tears too. Love you
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Patricia / Robert Schneider posted a symbolic gesture
Saturday, November 6, 2021
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First of all we would like to send love and prayers to the whole family. Really don’t have enough room to write about this wonderful lady, Aunt Helen. She was absolutely the strongest, loving, caring and amazing woman we have ever seen. Her spirit will live on forever in all our hearts. She was always a joy to be with, whether it was when I was a child, or as an adult. Our family has immense memories of the many, many times: family gatherings, family weddings, family holidays, etc. They were so much fun because of Aunt Helen. She will live in our hearts forever, and she leaves behind a “legacy”! You will be missed. We love you so!
Bobby and Sis
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Sandy Welbon Posted Nov 7, 2021 at 2:30 PM
Trish, thank you for your kind and loving words about mama!! She was indeed a remarkable woman and loved Jesus and her family and friends immensely!! ❤️
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Rita posted a symbolic gesture
Saturday, November 6, 2021
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My condolences to all the family. I was Helen's hairdresser for years. A women full of life, always looking so beautifully dressed when she came in the salon. She'd talk about her family and how they spent quality time together! She loved to go out to restaurants...just a friendly person who loved family, friends and the Lord! She lived a long life and now it's her time to rest. May your heart be healed from her loss by the Lord.
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Julie Drennan posted a condolence
Friday, November 5, 2021
Sending much love and heartfelt prayers to Sandy and the entire family. May God envelop you in His enduring love and fill your hearts with comfort and peace.
Very Sincerely,
Julie Drennan
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The family of Helen Stropas-Zalanka uploaded a photo
Friday, November 5, 2021
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The family of Helen Stropas-Zalanka uploaded a photo
Friday, November 5, 2021
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