Helen Mars Schilling, 84, of St. Petersburg, FL passed away on Monday, November 16, 2015 at Egret Cove Center in St. Petersburg.
Born August 29,1931 in Babylon, Long Island, NY. She was fourth out of six children born to Donald and Georgianna Marrs. Audrey Cramond, Gladys Decker are the only 2 surviving siblings. Dorothy, Ginny and brother Donald Marrs have gone to be with the Lord. Helen has three children, Linda Parent, Paul Stunzig (deceased 2007), and Robert Stunzig; four grandchildren: Lori Lamantia, Jessica Badalamenti, Johnny Stunzig (deceased 2008), and Robert Stunzig Jr.; and four great grandchildren: Kain Curran, Emma Lamison, Gianna, and Maceo. Helen was loved by nieces and nephews in New York along with friends made throughout the years.
Helen was a movie star beauty in her younger years. She worked hard as a food waitress in some of New York’s finest restaurants while raising her children by herself and never depriving them of anything. She was the most giving and loving person and so much fun to be around, definitely the life of the party. She was always the one to get guests at the party to get up and dance. She was a great joke teller, was talented in crocheting, and loved to play bingo and poker on Friday nights with her sisters and friends.
In the 70’s Helen relocated from Long Island to Madeira Beach, FL where she would sit on the dock of her waterfront home and loved to watch dolphins. Helen also worked in Florida as a coordinator for Bingo Voyage Bus. Not only did she socially direct these events, but would also drive the buses to Seminole Bingo, now known as the Hard Rock Casino.
Her relationship with her ex-husband, the late Jack Schilling, lasted 40 years. Helen and Jack shared many memories in their years together. They traveled all over to beautiful places like Hawaii, Canada, Puerto Rico, Vegas, and on many cruises. They had a wonderful fulfilling life together.
Helen’s last three years was halted after a knee surgery in 2011. This surgery that gone bad placed her in the nursing home bedridden 24/7. All Helen ever wanted to do was to get out of bed and walk. In her last days, she often would say that she walked that day and the light in her eyes was enough to light up the room.
Helen’s last three days of life were with her daughter and son by her side along with family in the nursing home. Helen was comforted by Suncoast Hospice and she peacefully passed into the hands of her creator and Lord Jesus on Monday, November 16, 2015 at 8:05 PM.
Helen was never an unhappy person and always saw the best in difficult situations. Her smile would change any mood and her understand and listening ear was always available when you needed her.
A celebration will be at 2:00 pm on Sunday, November 22, 2015 at her daughter’s home, 6440 2nd Avenue South, St. Petersburg 33707.
She will truly be missed but never forgotten.
I AGREE WHOLE HEARTEDLY , HELEN AND I HAD SOME VERY ENJOYABLE, FUN TIMES. WE ALWAYS LAUGHED A LOT
EVEN ABOUT GROWING UP WHEN WE HAD OUR KNOCK OUT FIGHTS. WE REMINISE ABOUT THOSE DAYS AND LAUGH
ABOUT . I HATED TO SEE HER LYING IN THAT BED THE PAST YEAR OR SO….I FELT HELPLESS AS I
COULD NOT GET HER UP ..
I AM HAPPY THAT SHE IS IN A BETTER PLACE AND RESTING PEACEBLY……
I LOVE YOU HELEN AND WILL MISS YOU SO VERY MUCH
YOUR SISTER AUDREY
One of Grandma Helen’s most remarkable attributes was her ove for children. In addition to her own children and grandchildren, I know them all by name, who she talked about incessantly, she loved babies and nurtured many, including my son Josh.if you ever weren’t quite sure how to love and be loved, like the uncertainty I had being a first time mom, all you had to do was learn from Helen. She hugged and kissed and smiled and cooed. She cooked real meals from her big heart. She babysat 3 or 4 kids at a time and called them her kids. She treated me better than my own mother. We could talk about ANYTHING. She always told me if she could she would have another baby.Thanks to Linda, Paul, Kane, Audrey and the whole family for always letting me into your world on holidays and card playing and birthday parties. May all the wonderful memoriies of the past and knowing she is pain free now help you through this very difficult time. Someday we will see her again. With the very deepest appreciation, tears and fondness, Alexis Shuder
Well… where do I begin. I have so much to be thankful for and so many memories that follow. When I think of my grandma passing I have so many mixed emotions. Part of me is glad that she is not suffering and finally able to get out of the bed and not feel pain any longer. The other half of me would love to talk with her one more time, just to hear her words of wisdom. But I know wanting her back is selfish considering her circumstances, I’m glad your in a better place grandma. You are a wonderful woman who did nothing but give to others and expect nothing in return. You have done so much for me through the years Disney World, family trips to Madeira Beach, and most of all taking care of me when I got chicken Pox on my vacation with you. I will never forget you and I look forward to the day I can sit and talk to you again. I love you, and I’m sorry that I didn’t make it in time to see you before you left, but I know you don’t hold it against me. Your my girl…… I love you bunches xxxoo