Helen M. (Grabowski) Lancaster, affectionately known as “Grams,” age 95, passed away on May 27th, 2021, surrounded by loved ones in her daughter’s home in Chelsea, MI. She was born on October 24th, 1925 in Chelsea, the daughter of Paul H. and Madelene (Krafft) Grabowski. Helen married Charles M. Lancaster on November 14, 1946, and he preceded her in death.
Helen lived in Chelsea her entire life. She was baptized, confirmed, and married at St. Paul United Church of Christ, where her father, Rev. P.H. Grabowski, pastored for 37 years. She graduated from Chelsea High School in 1943 and Elmhurst College in Chicago in 1947. She and Charles met at Cunningham’s Drug Store in Ann Arbor, and after marrying, became co-owners of Chelsea Drug Store. She was a realtor and both a member of the Million Dollar Club for real estate and a top performer in Washtenaw County for many years. Helen was extremely active in the community serving as a Girl Scout Leader and member of the Women’s City Club of Ann Arbor, the Chelsea Child Study Club, and several Bridge clubs. Helen loved playing cards, especially Bridge and Hand and Foot, with her family, friends or anyone she could take for a quarter! In addition, she was actively involved with the PTA, a founding member of the Chelsea Area Players, and sang in the choir at St. Paul United Church of Christ. Helen was an avid world traveler with her family and friends, and was extremely supportive of her children’s and grandchildren’s activities and sports.
Helen was a loving mother to her children Paul (Georgie) Lancaster of Eagle River, WI, Mark (Mary Kay) Lancaster of Alanson, MI, Laurel (David) Gravelyn of Chelsea, MI, and Tim (Beth) Lancaster of Petoskey, MI. She was a devoted grandmother to Lisa (Tom) Raney of Waverly, IA, Sam (Shannon) Lancaster of Mesa, AZ, Adam Lancaster of Golden Valley, MN, Cathy (Michael) Wargel of Alanson, MI, Matt (Sara) Lancaster of Oden, MI, Karen (Kyle) Culbertson of Conway, MI, Aaron Smith of Jackson, MI, Jason Smith of Federal Way, WA, Lauren Gravelyn of Kansas City, MO, Chelsea (Pete) Platte of Petoskey, MI, and Emily Lancaster of Pittsburgh, PA. Grams adored her great-grandchildren Jordan, Shannon, Benjamin, Jacob, Paxton, Wyatt, Gavin, Grace, Landon, Gabriela, Thea, Austin, Colby, Bruce and Townsend.
Visitation and funeral services will be held at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Chelsea. Visitation will be Friday, June 4th, 2021, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., and Saturday morning, June 5th, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. A Celebration of Life service will follow Saturday’s visitation, beginning at 11:00 a.m., with a luncheon afterward. A private burial service will take place for the immediate family.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to St. Joseph Mercy Hospice and Comfort Keepers for their loving care of Helen.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Paul United Church of Christ or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
