Helena Theresa (Madej) Ryniak

Our dear mother, Helena (Madej) Ryniak, age 105, sadly passed away on December 12, 2023, at her home on East Lake in Rudyard, Michigan. She was born on November 10, 1918, in Wayne, Michigan, to Frank and Josephine (Prus) Madej. Helena was the sixth of nine children and the last surviving child of Frank and Josephine. Helena married Edward Ryniak on August 3, 1940, at Saint Hedwig Church in Detroit, Michigan. They built a home for their future family in the country on farmland in Troy, Michigan and had two daughters, Christine and Nancy. Then came the largest undertaking (and biggest adventure) of their lives. Helena and Eddie became the owners and operators of Eddie’s Cottages in Cheboygan, Michigan. Once again, it was a new start, but Helena took it on with full force. Eddie regrettably passed away in June of 1985 at the young age of 69. A very strong and determined woman, Helena continued to operate Eddie’s Cottages in the summer months. In the winter months, Helena lived in Troy with the help from her daughter and son-in-law Nancy and Randall. Once she required more care in the most recent years, they brought Helena to live with them in Rudyard. She continued to enjoy life, but in a different way with limitations. Helena recently celebrated an amazing 105th birthday. She was very happy as she was able to celebrate with her close family. Helena was one to always get involved with volunteering, which she loved. The American Polish Cultural Center in Troy was a highlight of her life, as she took it upon herself to help whenever needed. Helena befriended many good friends, danced to live music during special events, and enjoyed their delicious Polish cuisine. She was a lifelong member and was extremely proud of it! Helena was also a member of the American Woman’s Business Association. This group was a huge asset and support system for both her business and social life. Helena’s favorite pastimes included being a seamstress, gardening, boating, knitting, reading, and travelling. She loved spending time with her family and friends, but her grandson, Steve and Sara and great-grandchildren Daniel and Stephanie always held a very special place in Helena’s heart. Helena is survived by daughters, Christine (Pete) Ursu and Nancy (Randall) Ryan; additional grandchildren, Timothy (Amy Martindale) Ursu, Trisha (Duane) Turner, Katie (Anthony) Millian. Helena was preceded in death by her loving husband, Edward Ryniak; parents, Frank and Josephine; her young, beautiful, great-granddaughter, Stephanie Ursu; and siblings, Amilia, Mary, Stanley, Steven, Anthony, Julie, Henry, and Jean. Loved by your family and remembered by everyone else. Young At Heart “Fairytales can come true It can happen to you If you’re young at heart For it’s hard you will find To be narrow of mind If you’re young at heart You can go to extremes With impossible schemes You can laugh when your dreams Fall apart at the seams And life gets more exciting With each passing day And love is either in your heart Or on its way Don’t you know that it’s worth Every treasure on earth To be young at heart For as rich as you are It’s much better by far To be young at heart And if you should survive to 105 Look at all you’ll derive Out of being alive And here is the best part You’ve had a head start If you are among the very Young at heart And if you should survive to 105 Look at all you’ll derive Out of being alive And here is the best part You have a head start If you are among the very Young at heart” I did it my way ~ Helena Ryniak Family Life Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.galerfuneralhomes.com. Obituary as submitted by family.

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Helena Theresa (Madej) Ryniak

November 10, 1918 - December 12, 2023