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Mary Fylstra Obituary

Fylstra, Mary Helen
July 18, 1943 - July 17, 2009

Mary Helen Fylstra, 65, of Sarasota, formerly of Alabama, died July 17, 2009.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Jude Catholic Church in Sarasota.
Please wear bright colors.
Arrangements are by Toale Brothers Funeral Homes, Colonial Chapel.
Survivors include daughters Kristi Kirschner of Springfield, Va., and Cheryl Eason of Sarasota; a stepson, Ted of Bradenton; sisters Dee Kile of Sarasota and Barbara Rydesky of Orchard Lake, Mich.; brothers Gerald Grembos of Redondo Beach, Calif., and Timothy Grembos of Sarasota; grandchildren
Jackson, Julianna, Lauren, Olivia, Taylor and Nicolas; and sons-in-law Sean Kirschner and Jason Eason.
Loved and adored by all, Mary Helen had a passion for serving her customers and maintaining lasting bonds.
She constantly boasted about her grandchildren, who were her pride and joy.
A beloved mother, wonderful grandmother, supportive sister and loving aunt, she will be eternally loved and incredibly missed.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to TideWell Hospice and Palliative Care.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Herald Tribune from Jul. 18 to Jul. 21, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Fylstra

Not sure what to say?





Leanah Hampton

November 14, 2023

You don´t know me. I got to know Mary Belen when she and Ted were at the Holiday Inn Downtown and my previous husband and myself were at the Holiday In. On Towson Avenue on Fort Smith. She was a dear friend the time that the four of us resided in a fort Smith. She was a great support for me when our baby son passed away at just five weeks of age. I have thought of Mary Helen and Ted over the years and wondered where they were. Her name popped into my head this afternoon so I googled and was saddened to know that she had passed away. My condolences are years late, but I am blessed that our paths crossed many years ago.

Alfred Gutzmer

August 2, 2009

To Mary Helen's Family:
We were deeply saddened to learn of Mary Helen's passing.. She was a good friend, neighbor, co-worker in the community and at The Meadows CC. She was a true professional as a Real Estate Broker , and served us in that capacity as well. But more than anything she was a wonderful, caring person . She will be sorely missed in her community, The Meadows of Sarasota, FL.
Sincerely in deepest sympathy,
Al and Margaret Gutzmer

July 29, 2009

To Mary Helen's family, especially Cheryl and Dee,
We were very saddened to see the notice in the Meadoword today. We send our most sincere condolences to you. Mary Helen was very special and we can only imagine how much she will be missed. Sending much love to you all.

Jay & Dorothy Jacobs and Dorothy Stevens (Mom Dorothy)

Juan y Tatiana Navarro

July 27, 2009

We are sorry to hear of your loss. May god give you courage, strength and support trough this difficult times. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Walter Michelle and Aly McMillan

July 25, 2009

Aunt Mary Helen, an Irish prayer for you, with love Walter Michelle and Aly

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there... I do not sleep.
I am the thousand winds that blow...
I am the diamond glints on snow...
I am the sunlight on ripened grain...
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you waken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of gentle birds in circling flight...
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry—
I am not there... I did not die...

Julie + Clif Phalen

July 23, 2009

Cheryl, Kristi and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. What a great lady she was!! Never complaining no matter the discomfort. We will miss her.

Patti Maddock-Moore

July 22, 2009

Deepest Sympathy! Mary Helen and your whole family will always be a loving part of the Quandt Street memories.

Irene Schen

July 22, 2009

We feel so lucky to have known Mary Helen. She never complained of her misfortunes but rather of her blessings, especially her family. I am grateful we were able to get together one more time, while in Florida this winter, little knowing it would be our last time. I will miss her terribly.

Jean Collins

July 21, 2009

To Mary Helen's Family,
Mary Helen was such a great person, I always enjoyed her so much. It was a pleasure when we had the occasion to work together - she was such a professional. I'm so sorry for your loss. I will miss her very much.

James Goar

July 21, 2009

My memory of Mary Helen involves the preparation of her(and Ted's)tax returns for as long as they lived in Sarasota. She was one of the hardest working real estate agents I have ever known. Too hard working! She never failed to please any client that I referred to her. I will miss her.

Karen McCaw

July 21, 2009

Cheryl, Jason, Taylor and Nicholas,

We all wanted to express our sincere sympathy on the passing of Mary Helen. We are sure she was a blessing to all of you. We have you in our thoughts along with the rest of your family. It is a difficult time, but you have all of your memories to keep with you. Take care.

Douglas and Karen McCaw and Jessica Ulrich

Pat Hogan

July 21, 2009

I feel truly privilaged to have been able to call Mary Helen my friend. She always had a smile and a warm hello whenever our paths crossed. I will miss her happy and proud stories about her wonderful daughters and their husbands, and especially her beautiful grandchildren. As successful as she was in her business pursuits, I know her proudest achievement was in being a loving and caring mom and grandmother. I will miss her.

July 20, 2009

I met Mary Helen - and you girls - when I would visit my grandparents (Ed & B. Gentner). My grandmother loved your mom very much. The Christmas following my grandmother's death, I was welcomed into your mom's home to ring in the new year. What fun we had! I adored your mom and will miss her terribly. Hugs to the both of you, and I wish I could be there with you.

Anne Pappas, Atlanta, GA

Barbara Grembos-Rydesky

July 20, 2009

Mary Helen was a great sister. She was
generous to a fault!! I loved the times we spent together and the memories we shared. She worked hard to support her family. I will think of her daily and will be in my prayers until we meet again.

July 20, 2009

Mary Helen was dear and special in so many of our lives here in the Meadows. She never stopped being a positive input and influence. You have my deepest sympathy.

Rowena Janssens

Chuck & Phyllis Reed

July 20, 2009

Cheryl, Kristi & family,

We were saddened to see that your mother passed away. I just checked the obits.com as we are up in Vernon Hills, IL. and was shocked to see hers.We will remember your mom from the Meadows. God Bless all of you.

Debbie Essian

July 20, 2009

Dear Cheryl,Kristi and Grembos family,
I spoke with Barbara yesterday and she informed me of the sad news.My name is Debbie Essian,formerly McLaren.I want you to know what a special part your mother was to our family, as all of the Grembos family is.Something a liitle different about your Mom;her and my mother and father Marge & Al McLaren shared a very special bond and friendship.Your Mom would come over to our home and share her deepest dreams and secrets with my Mom.I would come in and they would be sharing a cup of coffee, laughing and /or crying and often at the same time.Your Mom always saw the best in everything and everyone.My father and her would joke and play pranks on each other. I remember your Mom made them smile and brought joy to them whenever she came by,She never missed a visit when she was in town and after my fathers passing it meant so much to my Mom and us as well. My husband and I had an opportunity to stay @ your home and golf with your Mom & Dad it was several years ago, probably 25. We had alot of laughs but none as good as the one my husband always seems to share when on the golf course;When teeing off I sliced ,well sort of backwards and took the cigarette right out of your Fathes'mouth,literally.How embarassed was I?One good thing is I always think of them EVERYTIME I golf.It is shame we didn't get to know you well but in my heart I can only imagine what a fabulous legacy she has left behind.She will be missed greatly but never ever forgotten.If ever you find yourself in the Michigan area,I am a stones throw from your Aunt Barb and you are always welcome and I would love to see you.This will not be an easy time as you move forward, but grieve for awhile and then live your life each day the best you can and with the zest your Mother always had for life. I will keep you in my prayers and hope that the memories you carry in your heart will bring you peace,may God Bless you ALL.love Debbie & Chuck Essian

Petrica Brown-Holbrook

July 20, 2009

So very sorry to hear about Mary Helen's passing. My condolences to her family, as well as her Meadows Real Estate Office family.
Sincerely,

Barbara Kujawa

July 20, 2009

Cheryl, Kristi & Family:
On behalf of the McLaren Family I would like to offer you our thoughts & our prayers during this difficulty time. Your mother was a great and wonderful lady and will be greatly missed by all.

Ryan and Monica McClellan

July 20, 2009

Our thought and prayers are with you during this time. May God bring you comfort.

Sally Rackey

July 19, 2009

Deepest regrets to the family. Mary Helen was a wonderful colleague. Sally Rackey, RealtyOne Alliance

Rusty & Tom Taylor

July 19, 2009

Cheryl,Kristi & Family, We are so saddened to hear about your Mom!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

July 19, 2009

Cheryl,Jason & Family,

With heartfelt sorrow for the loss of your mother.
Keep the good times close to your heart.

Ron & Karen McClellan, Bradenton, FL

Danae and Ron O'Leary

July 19, 2009

Cheryl, Jason and Family,
So sorry to hear about your mom. Please let us know if there is anything we can do. Cherish the memories.

Julia Rydesky-Dudansky

July 18, 2009

To my Godmother, Aunt and Friend,
You know how much I loved you. I know you are watching over me always. Thank you for all you did for Matthew and I. Without you we would not have found such a lovely home in here in Florida. I am blessed to have you as my Godmother, Aunt and Friend. Our family will cherish you in your next journey as we did in you journey through life.

Roy Ann Gregory

July 18, 2009

I am so sorry to hear of your tremendous loss. I worked with Mary Helen and enjoyed her antics and compassion for the real estate business. I will truly miss her.

July 18, 2009

Please accept our sympathy on the passing of Mary Helen. She will be remembered as an important personality in the Meadows. This message is especially for Teresa Eason and her whole family.
Howard and Anne Hanson

July 18, 2009

Having lived in the Meadows for 20 years our paths crossed amny times as we were on the Baord of the CC togther as well. i was most grateful the way she handled the sale of my home. She will be missed Bruce B Crawford

July 18, 2009

My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Your Mom was one of the first people I met at The Meadows when I moved to Sarasota in 1981 and always enjoyed her company. She and my Mom remained friends throughout the years (Claire Alexander). My condolences on your loss.

Shelley Rayburn Kearns Quakertown PA

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