Helen G. Bogus

Helen G. Bogus, age 89, died peacefully on January 30, after a lengthy fight with Alzheimer's. Helen grew up in Detroit the oldest of the four children of Louie and Rena Giacobbi. She was an excellent student, a member of Detroit Central High School's Class of 1945. She pitched for the school's baseball team and played field hockey, as well. While in high school, Helen also worked in the dietary department of Grace Hospital. After graduation, Helen worked as an operator for Michigan Bell Telephone Company, eventually becoming a supervisor. She married the love of her life, John W. Bogus, in April of 1953, following him to Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX. After his discharge from the U.S. Army, the couple returned to Michigan with their daughter, Susan. The Bogus clan moved to Madison Heights and added John, Barbara, Brian, and Mark to the family. The family moved to Rochester in 1969. In 1975, Helen was suddenly and unexpectedly widowed. While raising her youngest children alone, she worked in the shoe department at Mitzelfeld's Department Store in Downtown Rochester. Helen became a devoted caregiver to her aging parents, eventually moving in to care for her mother until Rena's death in 1993. Afterward, Helen devoted herself to being the best grandmother. Helen loved to do crossword puzzles, and she was an avid reader. She was an excellent cook! Her children and grandchildren were always requesting Helen's homemade spaghetti sauce, hambone soup, pork tenderloin, and city chicken. Helen had the brightest smile and sparkling eyes! She was extremely generous. She was always welcoming and accepting of others. Her kindness knew no bounds. Helen touched the heart and soul of everyone who met her. She exhibited great strength of character and was an admired role model. With her death, the world lost a great bright light! Helen was preceded in death by her dear husband, John, her parents Louie and Rena Giacobbi, her son-in-law Ken Nelson, and her brother Jim and his wife Shirley Giacobbi. She is survived by her children Susan Nelson of Humble TX, John Bogus of Rochester, Barbara and Gary Butynski of Clinton Township, Brian and Lisa Bogus of Lake Orion, and Mark and Shawn Bogus of Clinton Township, and brothers Bill Giacobbi, and Joe Giacobbi and his wife, JoAnn. Helen is also survived by her grandchildren Brittany Bogus, Blaine Bogus, Andy Bogus, Brad Bogus, Rena and Eric Elsenbrook, Joseph Nelson, LJ Nelson, April and Gary Schultz, and Sarah Butynski, and her great grandchildren Emmett and Ryan Schultz. Visitation is Saturday, February 4, between 2 and 8 p.m. at Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 8459 Hall Rd, Utica MI 48317 with Rosary at 7:00 p.m. No visitation on Sunday, February 5. Helen will lie in state at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 44633 Utica Rd, Utica, MI 48317 Monday, February 6, at 9:30 a.m., followed by a funeral mass at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Helen's name to Church of Christ Care Center, 23575 Fifteen Mile Rd., Clinton Township, MI 48035.

Helen G. Bogus

June 24, 1927 - January 30, 2017