Helen C. Anstead

At the astonishing age of 108.9 years old, Helen Crowley Anstead passed away peacefully in her home on Monday, May 2, 2022. She was born August 9, 1913 to James and Margaret Crowley in Ellwood City, PA. Helen survived the typical childhood diseases of the time to graduate from Ellwood City Lincoln High School in 1931. She was a graduate of Mercyhurst College (1935) and Penn State (1937). For 12 years she taught Home Economics classes while supporting her 8 younger siblings. In 1947, she married Russell Anstead and in 1953 they moved to Lincoln, MI. Her teaching career continued at St. Anne Catholic School in Alpena for 16 years. Helen is survived by her sons Paul (Betsy) and John (Carole) and daughter Helen (Dr. Donald) Hillman; grandchildren Dr. Katherine (Kyle) Urek, Dr. Robert (Molly) Hillman, Patrick Hillman, Dr. Brent (Amanie) Anstead and Brian (Alaine) Anstead; three great granddaughters Audrey, Annalise and Leena; brother Ray Crowley; sisters-in-law Suzy (Tom) Crowley and Jane (Gerald) Crowley and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Helen was pre-deceased by her husband, Russell and his 11 siblings and spouses; brothers John (Dorothy) Crowley, Fr. Kenan Crowley, O.F.M.Cap., Tom Crowley and Gerald Crowley; sisters, Dr. Anne Crowley, Margaret (Louie) DeFede, and Loretta (David) Bauer. She was a remarkable lady who had several leadership roles at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, the Michigan State University Domestic Engineers, Friends of the Library and the Historical Society for Alcona County. We are especially grateful to Fr. Stan Bereda who graciously said Mass at her home for her birthdays, Donna Bushey for bringing her Holy Communion each week, Sandy Gauthier for her kind weekly caregiving, for the Sonnenberg, Weeks, & Carriveau families long-standing friendship, for the lovely neighbors who would regularly call or visit and generously dropped off delicious baked or canned goods. She treasured all of you! She was very proud of her Irish heritage, loved her family and friends, and had a deep faith in God. She will be greatly missed by so many people who admired her determination, courage, perseverance, words of wisdom, and patience throughout her storied life. Visitation will be at Gillies Funeral Home, Lincoln, on Sunday, May 8, 2022 from 4:00 until 8:00 PM with a Rosary service at 7:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be Monday, May 9, 2022 at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Black River at 10:00 AM. Rev. John William will officiate. Burial will be in St. Catherine Catholic Church in Ossineke. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 5570 N Lake Shore Drive, Black River, MI 48721. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Helen C. Anstead, please visit our flower store.