Helen Constance Staniec

Helen Constance Staniec was born December 4th, 1910 on the family farm outside of Valley, Nebraska to Henry and Charlotte (Lewis) Freeman. One of her favorite past-times as a child was playing with her dog. Helen attended District #22 through 8th grade and then graduated from Valley High School in 1928. After graduating she continued to help her Mom and Dad around the farm. In 1929, Helen married Earl Johnson and to this union Max and Marilyn were born. They divorced when the children were very young. A few years later, she married Luke Staniec. They moved to a farm north of Valley at this time. She enjoyed raising chickens and spent many sleepless nights worrying about them! Gardening, canning and freezing produce was also a favorite of Helen’s. They remained there until Luke became ill and died. Helen moved to a small house in Valley, but the next year her father died. She ended up moving in with her elderly mother and spending many hours quilting with her. When her mother’s health was failing she cared for her as long as she could at home. After her mother’s death Helen babysat neighborhood children for a couple years. She then sold her parents’ house and bought the house she lived in up until about a year and a half ago. Throughout her life, Helen loved to work in the yard and garden spending many hours at it. She also enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Helen made many quilts and afghans for her family. She was a member of the Mariners through her church for many years. She also enjoyed playing Bunco with a group of friends that later turned into a Tripoly Club. Throughout her life Helen’s faith has always been extremely meaningful to her. It was always there to give her the strength that she needed over the years. She was a life long member of the Presbyterian Church in Valley and was honored a couple of years ago for being the oldest living member. Helen was also the only remaining member of her graduating class. Helen passed away on November 17, 2007 at the Beverly Living Center in Valley at age 96 years, 11 months and 17 days. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Charlotte (Nell) Freeman and her brother James. Helen is survived by her son Max and daughter Marilyn and son-in-law Dick, all of Valley; seven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

Helen Constance Staniec

December 4, 1910 - November 17, 2007