Mary Helen Kwasny, age 85, of Fort Wayne, IN passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024 at St. Anne Home and Retirement Community surrounded by her loving family.  Mrs. Kwasny was born on May 11, 1939 in Chicago, IL to the late Harold and Helen (Popp) DeBriae.  Mary Helen graduated from Bishop Noll High School in Hammond, IN.  Though she would later move from East Chicago, she remained close to her "Region" roots.

Upon completion of her high school education, she took a job as a secretary in downtown Chicago, and began dating Edward "Ed" Kwasny. The two enjoyed dates to various dive bars in Chicago, and one of their treasured dating memories was seeing Ike and Tina Turner at one of the small clubs.

On January 9, 1965, Mary Helen married Edward Kwasny at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in East Chicago, IN. After 7 years, they moved to Witmer Lake in Wolcottville, Indiana. Together, the two spent many fun-loving years as a married couple, produced a loving home, raised three daughters, and created memories her family will cherish forever.

Their home was an open door to all their daughters' various friends and neighborhood kids.  They were positive role models, beacons of inspiration and support, and never failed to make someone feel welcome. Upon Ed's passing, Mary Helen ventured back to school at Ivy Tech Community College where she obtained a nursing degree.

Mary Helen maintained a heartfelt passion for knowledge within the medical industry.  She answered her calling to nursing, and for over 30 years was dedicated to serving and taking the finest care of her patients. Even on her days off, she would go and visit patients to ensure they were being taken care of properly in her absence.  For 16 years, she was employed as a nurse at LaGrange Hospital in LaGrange, IN and then she relocated to serve patients at Kingston Care in Fort Wayne, IN for 14 additional years of utmost care.  In 2007, she retired after 30 years of healthcare and serving patients compassionately.

Mary Helen enjoyed tending to her garden, notably producing zucchini for her famous chocolate zucchini bread, among her many culinary specialties.  She was a music enthusiast, and always had an album from her eclectic record collection playing on her stereo, preferring music to television.  There is even an old legend that says when her daughters wouldn't wake up in time for school, she would blare Pink Floyd or KISS to startle them enough to get up and get dressed.  Mary Helen remained feisty all her life and had a sense of humor that made her a delight to be around.  Her spirited character enriched her with a charm matched by very few. Mary Helen loved her family and always enjoyed spending quality time with them all, including the many beloved four-legged family members they took in over the years.  She was a selfless, vibrant woman with a true servant's heart and someone whom you would be blessed to have known and or loved.

Survivors include: Daughter, Trisha and Robert Keeler of Evergreen Park, IL. Daughter, Kristine Kwasny and Nate Luckadoo of Fort Wayne, IN. Daughter, Denise and Brian Ploss of Carmel, IN. Grandchildren, Brett Ploss and Nicole Ploss both of Carmel, IN. Feline Friend, Teensy (who now lives with her daughter, Trisha.)

Mary Helen was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and brother, Edward DeBriae.

There will be a Memorial Mass held on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 10:30am at St. Anne Home & Retirment Community Chapel, 1900 Randallia Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46805.

There will also be a Memorial Service held on January 18, 2025 at 6:00pm with calling prior from 3:00pm-6:00pm at Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 603 South Detroit Street, LaGrange, IN 46761.

Memorial donations may be directed to Humane Fort Wayne, 901 Leesburg Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46808

Arrangements and care trusted to Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services.