Helen Gale Staels

Helen was born Helen Gale McConnell (aka Bunny) to Arnold and Helen (Ray)McConnell on April 12, 1936. She grew up with her two sisters Michelle (Jim) Gazdag (Mickey) and Beverly (Ed) Moore. Her sisters preceded her in death and she missed them every day. She is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Bunny was married to Raymond Staels and had three children. Her daughter Denise (John) Kovacs was her best friend. They did everything together. They took care of each other. When Denise passed away 2022, Helen was ready to join her in heaven. Her son David Staels survives her. David has always been Helen’s greatest support. He was with her in her hardest times and final days.

Helen’s greatest joy came from the time she spent at her cottage, Bunny’s Hutch, in Caseville, Michigan. It is here that she and her partner, Anthony DeSandre, would spend weekends and summers doing projects and eating at the FOE for their Friday Fish Fry. They loved big band music and Bunny loved to dance. They are dancing together in the sky!

Her four grandchildren, Stacey (Chris) Ary, Chris (Jamie) Zaccanti, Stephanie Gornowich, and Nicholas (Michelle) Staels survive their Grandma Bunny. She is also survived by 15 great-grandchildren. Bunny passed peacefully in her sleep on the morning of December 16, 2024 at the age of 88.

Services will be held in February. Date and location will be announced at a later date.