Elsie Victoria Merem (Helka)

It is with heavy hearts that we share that Elsie Victoria (née Helka) Merem, a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully surrounded by her children on February 26, 2026, at the age of 84.

Elsie was born to the late James Helka and Dorothy (née Levine) Helka on February 14, 1942 in Detroit, Michigan.

In 1961, Elsie married George Merem and together they raised four children and operated a successful grocery business for more than 25 years, until retiring. Elsie also volunteered for many years at The Henry Ford in Dearborn.

Elsie's greatest joy was time spent with her family, including her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings and many nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her brother, James Helka Jr (Lorry); sister, Kathleen (née Helka) Colson; brother, Edward Helka (Diane); her son, J Joseph Merem (Renee); daughter, Theresa (née Merem) Van Brock (Brian); son, Michael Merem (Lory); and David Kunitz, widower of her late daughter Margaret Merem-Kunitz. She is also survived by ten grandchildren: Lauren McGovern; Alexander Kunitz; Deidre (née McGovern) Maguire (Cole); Fr. Michael Kunitz (Janine); Christian Kunitz (Madison Anderson); Dr. Addison Merem; Brianna McGovern; Emerson Merem; J George Merem and Charlotte Merem.

In addition, she leaves behind four great-grandchildren, Simeon Kunitz, Keith Maguire, Theodora Kunitz and Sophia Kunitz.

Elsie is proceeded in death by her husband George Merem; parents, Keith and Dorothy Helka; sisters Ruthann (née Helka) Enoch and Elizabeth (née Helka) Parker.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation proceeding the funeral service on March 12, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Saint John Neumann Catholic Church, 44800 Warren Road, Canton, MI. The funeral service to honor Elsie's life will begin at 11:00 am. A luncheon will be held at 12:00 pm at The Plymouth Manor, 345 North Main Street, Plymouth, MI following the services.

She will be laid to rest near her late husband and daughter at Old St. Patrick Cemetery at a private burial.