Helen Marie (Gawenda) Mackay

Helen Marie Mackay (nee Gawenda), age 100, passed away on Monday, November 1, 2021.

Helen is survived by her loving children, Carol (Al) Neitzel, Thomasine (Robert) Magolan and Thomas (Mary Jean) Hayducak; grandchildren, Todd Neitzel, Jennifer Miney and Kimberly Prosul, Lisa Hayducak, Rebecca (Timothy) Kramer and Ryan (Katie) Hayducak; great-grandchildren, Kylie Lenahan, Hailey Magolan and Nicholas Prosul, Nora and Nolan Kramer, Maxximus, Killian and Gunnar Hayducak, sister-in-law, Evelyn Gawenda; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her first husband, Thomas Hayducak; second husband, Anthony Mackay; parents, Anthony and Josephine Gawenda; siblings, Marian Markgraf, Chester Gawenda, Charles Gawenda, Walter Gawenda, Henry Gawenda and John Gawenda.

Helen was the matriarch of the family. She cared for and loved everyone unconditionally. Her life was dedicated to making sure all of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were well fed, always had a hat and scarf on when it was cold, and always had a bag of chocolate chip cookies before leaving. Our family admired what an amazing cook, baker and caregiver she was until her last day. She proudly kept her driver’s license active all the way to her 100th birthday. Helen was a devout Catholic and longtime parishioner of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Minooka and would arrive to 4:00 p.m. mass early to make sure she had “her seat.” The impact Helen’s 100 year life had on everyone she encountered will be forever cherished and lovingly remembered.

A celebration of Helen’s life will begin on Friday, November 5, 2021 with a visitation at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The family invites relatives and friends to join them at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Minooka on Saturday, November 6, 2021 for a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at SS Cyril and Methodius Cemetery in Joliet.