Helen A. (Genczo) Hastings

Helen A. Hastings (nee Genczo), age 86, passed away suddenly, Sunday, November 7, 2021 at her home where she resided in Joliet Illinois.

Helen is survived by her children, Carol (John) Carroll and Tom (Linda) Hastings; grandchildren, Lisa (Kris) Kostusik and Nick (Kayla) Hastings; great-grandchildren, Sydney and Benjamin Hastings and Jackson Kostusik; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceded in death by her beloved husband of 61 years, Lawrence “Larry” E. Hastings (2020); parents, George and Anna (nee Dusko) Genczo; sisters, Ann (Art) Werbick, John Genczo, Mary (Earl) Norberg; and grandson, Brian Hastings (2014).

Helen was a lifelong resident of Joliet. In her early years, she worked at Illinois Bell Phone Company until she met the love of her life, Larry, and they married soon after. She then transitioned to becoming a full time homemaker and devoted mother. She happily committed the rest of her years to spending all of her time with her family. Larry and Helen were inseparable, very rarely were they ever seen apart. They enjoyed taking numerous trips along with their kids, going on bus trips with their senior club, even simplistic things such as going to the grocery store together. Later this turned into spending as much time as they could with their grandkids. They were deemed the “sweetest grandparents” because of their contagious smiles and big bear hugs that they gave to everyone.  They never missed a birthday, sporting event, or play.  Helen’s hobbies and other joys in life were rooted in making and growing other things, she was the ultimate Matriarch. She loved to be in the garden, even coined to have a “green thumb.” She could make anything grow, or bring a struggling plant back to life. She also loved to spend time in the kitchen cooking and baking, Helen was truly gifted. Any time someone came to visit her house, she never let them leave hungry. Even if they refused the food “Dontcha like it” was the first thing out of her mouth, which was all the persuasion anyone needed. Helen was also an avid card player and casino goer, something she truly enjoyed to do with her sweetheart Larry and their closest friends. After Larry’s passing, Helen spent her remaining 21 months absolutely loving being a Great Grandma to her 3 Great Grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Helen’s name to Lightways Hospice in Joliet.

A celebration of Helen’s life will begin on Saturday, November 13, 2021 with prayer s in the funeral home chapel at 10:00 a.m. then driving in procession to St. Mary Nativity Catholic Church in Joliet for a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 10:30 a.m. Per Helen’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded following mass. She will be laid to rest privately at a later date. Visitation will be on Friday, November 12, 2021 at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.