Helen Marian Desiderio

 Helen Marian Desiderio (nee Brugos) age 95 of Crown Point passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 1, 2020.  She was born March 12, 1924 in Gary to John and Anna Brugos. She is survived by her brother David (Shirley) Brugos of Crown Point, her beloved grandsons Andrew Desiderio and Patrick O’Hara of San Diego, California; many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and great-grand nieces and nephews spread throughout the country.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Andrea Desiderio; daughter Gianine Desiderio-O’Hara; parents John and Anna Brugos; sister Magdalene; and brothers Steven, Theodore, John, and George. 

Helen was born in Gary, Indiana.  Her employment career started at a realty office in Gary.  During the war, she became the first woman in the open hearth in the steel mill.  In 1960, she married Andrea Desiderio and together they had a daughter, Gianine. During her marriage she resided in New York, Rhode Island, and California, where she remained until moving back to the Chicago area in 2009.   Helen resided at Symphony Assisted Living since February 2017.  She was the Resident Council President at Symphony where she started a discussion group for the residents.  Helen had many interests including reading autobiographies, working crossword puzzles, and sketching.  She especially enjoyed the daily phone calls from her niece, Suzanne, who lives in Austin, Texas.

Helen exuded joy and was adored by all for her grace, positivity and wit.  Her vibrant personality was infectious. She enjoyed conversations with everyone about many diverse subjects.  Her family was her passion and she valued as well as appreciated time spent with each and every person.  She especially reveled in visits from her grandson, Andrew, who visited several times a year from San Diego. She was able to spend several hours with Andrew on the weekend prior to her passing; perhaps waiting to visit with him until she felt an inner peace to pass. Although her grandson Patrick was unable to visit in recent years, Helen greatly enjoyed reading his letters. Helen will be greatly missed by all who loved her.

A memorial celebrating Helen’s life is being planned for a future date.  Memorials may be made in Helen’s name to the Marc Owen Chandler Scholarship Fund P.O. Box 1231 Seymour, Indiana 47274 or to the Salvation Army.