Submitted by: Dan Rich

Helen M. Kocsis

Nov. 1, 1935 - Nov. 25, 2000

South Bend Tribune 11/27/2000

Helen M. Kocsis, 65, of Diamond Lake, formerly of Mishawaka, died at 8:50 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25, in her residence following a lengthy illness. Helen was born on Nov. 1, 1935, to the late Alphonse and Alba (Montanari) DeGraeve, and was a lifetime area resident. On June 13, 1959, in Mishawaka, Helen DeGraeve married Jim Kocsis who survives. Also surviving are five sons, Rock and his wife, Vikki, Lon and his wife, Susie, Brett and his wife, Angie, Doug Kocsis and Jim Kocsis and his wife, Becky. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Haley M. Kocsis, Ashley E. Kocsis, Jenna M. Kocsis, Tyler J. Kocsis, Lindsey N. Kocsis, Kristen A. Kocsis, Jessica M. Kocsis, Jaime Loucks, Kylie Callander and Tyler D. Yarbrough. A brother, Bob DeGraeve preceded Helen in death. Helen worked as the office manager for Dr. Mark Toth of Memorial Hospital before retiring. Helen was a member of the Daughter's of St. Ann's Parish in Cassopolis, Mich., serving as past president. She was a 1954 graduate of Mishawaka High School and belonged to the Mishawaka Alumni Association. Helen was a fantastic wife, Mother, Grandmother and Friend. A cook who made all the Hungarian and Italian dishes, which her sons will attribute too. Her husband Jim said, "I married my best friend and she can never be replaced. She was my soulmate."

Friends may all from 2 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 29, at Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. Eighth St., Mishawaka. Funeral services will be on Thursday at 10 a.m. in St. Bavo's Catholic Church, Mishawaka.