Helen (Torgl) Bachleda

Helen (Torgl) Bachleda passed away after a brief illness at the age of 96. She was born and raised in Detroit, and for several years worked as a secretary for special education in the Detroit public schools. She was especially proud of being an American Cancer Society volunteer. She married George Bachleda on January 21, 1950 and they built a home together in St. Clair Shores, Michigan in 1952. They raised four children, emphasizing education and providing wonderful nature and family experiences with a cottage at Higgins Lake that they also built together. Helen’s passion in life was her family. Her love, kindness, and compassion were felt by everyone who knew her. She also enjoyed flowers, animals, visiting with friends, and traveling… and took two European hiking journeys in her late 70s. She spent the last ten years of her life as a happy resident of the Sentinel Pointe retirement community in Grand Rapids. She is preceded in death by her husband, George; her father, Stephen Torgl; her mother, Frances (Kratochwill) Torgl; her brother, Charles; and grandson, Danny. She will be greatly missed by her children, Stephen Bachleda (Kristine Campbell), Mary Tobin (David), Frances Skarritt (Kevin), and Paul Bachleda (Susan Blondin); and her 10 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.Helen will have a green burial on June 24 for immediate family only. On July 9 from 1-4pm there will be a celebration of life for all to attend at Sentinel Pointe, 2900 Thornhills Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Donations can be sent to arborday.org (she loved trees) or faithhospicecare.org (we are thankful for their amazing support and care).