Helena Kusiak

Helena M. Kusiak LYNCHBURG - Helena Clare McMahon "Patsy" Kusiak passed away Aug. 13, 2008, at her home in Lynchburg. Patsy was a New Englander by birth, a Virginian by choice and a Marine / social worker by profession. She was born Sept. 16, 1915, in Boston, Mass., the youngest of seven children of Thomas and Cornelia McMahon. After completing her studies at Girls' Latin School, she received her undergraduate degree in 1937 from Massachusetts College (now University of Massachusetts at Amherst). Although she began a graduate program in Social Work, she instead decided to heed the call of her country by joining the newly formed women's branch of the Marine Corps in 1943. She served for three years during World War II, earning the rank of lieutenant. It was during this time that she met her husband, Lt. Col. John Michael Kusiak, U.S. Marine Corps. They were married Nov. 1, 1947, and raised seven children. While living in Norfolk and taking care of her household duties, she worked with Catholic Charities, placing children in adoptive homes. In her later years, she relocated to Lynchburg, Va. She was active in the Lynchburg community, participating in classes and events with Lynchburg Parks and Recreation, attending yard sales and feeding chocolates to her great-grandchild. She lived to see her beloved Boston Red Sox win three World Series titles, in 1918, 2004 and 2007. She committed to watch every Red Sox game and was an avid basketball fan, particularly of the Boston Celtics. She is survived by her seven children and their spouses, Kathy and Ken Nowitzky of Norfolk, Mary Jane Kusiak of Ellicott City, Md., John and Bettina Kusiak of Lynchburg, Patty and Chris Webb of Lynchburg, Phil and Jeanne Kusiak of Greensboro, N.C., Tom and Jane Kusiak of Richmond and Pete and Cathy Kusiak of Elizabeth City, N.C. She is also survived by 20 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank Holy Cross Catholic Church for welcoming her into their community; Lynchburg Parks and Recreation for picking her up for bridge and ceramics; the Lynchburg Public Library for always extending her checkouts; the Lynchburg Marine Corps League for her spirited induction to their upstanding organization; Dr. Geeta Rakheram of Medical Associates of Central Virginia for the excellent care she provided; and Gentle Shepard Hospice for their care in her final hours. The family will hold a visitation from 6 to 7:30 p.m. today at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, (434) 237-9424. A Mass of Resurrection will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Holy Cross Catholic Church, with Monsignor J. Kenneth Rush officiating. Interment will be in Quantico National Cemetery at a later date. The family requests that memorial contributions in lieu of flowers be made to Fairview Senior Citizens Center, 3621 Campbell Ave., Lynchburg, VA 24501; or to the Lynchburg Public Library, 2315 Memorial Avenue, Lynchburg, VA 24501. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tharpfuneralhome.com.