Helene Joyce Streich

Helene Joyce Streich, age 94, moved on to her eternal home with the Lord on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. Helene was born in Brockport, New York on February 24, 1930 to Harold E. Hardenbrook and Elva S. Hardenbrook. She was raised in Flint and graduated from Northern High School in 1948. After high school she went on to Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri and earned her undergraduate degree in Education and a master's degree from the University of Michigan in Early Childhood Development. She returned to Flint where she began her teaching career and met her husband, Joel R. Streich. They were married in 1955 and had three sons.

Helene was a much-loved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was especially proud of her three boys and their families. Helene had a zeal for life, a passion for giving and having fun in all she pursued. She almost always sided with the underdog in the community.

She was strong in her Christian faith and was an active, lifelong, member of First Presbyterian Church of Flint. She enjoyed serving in several positions within the church and as a regular supporter and volunteer for various community ministries in Flint.

Professionally, Helene worked as an elementary school teacher in the Flint Community School System. Later she received her real estate broker license, and worked as an interior decorator, for the family homebuilding business designing many unique and extraordinary living spaces for custom homes in the Mid-Michigan area.

As a beacon of light and life for Flint, Helene was always genuinely interested in people and the community. Her list of service activities was impressive and the lives she impacted over the years are too numerous to count. She was elected to the Flint Board of Education and served three terms. In addition, she was a board member of the Salvation Army and the Foundation for Mott Community College. Helene also served on the Flint Women and Girls Fund Advisory Committee, was a strong supporter of the Flint Cultural Center, University of Michigan Flint, Early Childhood Development Center and a 20th Century Club Member.

Helene left her family and everyone she touched with many cherished memories.

She fought the good fight, she finished the race, she kept the faith and will be dearly missed.

Helene is survived by her three sons; Joel (Amanda) Streich, of Platteville, WI; and their children, Peter and Graham; John (Michelle) Streich of Breckenridge, CO, their three daughters, Katrina (Pierre de Mirman) and their 3 children, Peony, Thyri and Ender of Dubai, UAE, Sarah (and fiancée, Jonathon Wright) of Mesa, AZ; Julia (Shane Guinan) and their son, Azlan, of Princeville, HI; and James Streich of Colorado Springs, CO.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Francis Crosby, grandson, Philip Streich and husband, Joel R. Streich.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Flint, in memory of their Mother.

Visitation will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Flint, MI on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at 10:00am and the memorial service to follow at 11am, Reverend Dr. Joseph Novak officiating.

Swartz Funeral Home is assisting the family.