LAKEPORT, Calif. – Helen Elizabeth Szymczak, née Obernesser, was born on Jan. 7, 1924 in Utica, New York, and died Nov. 17, 2016, in Lakeport.

She was baptized at St. Agnes Parish and was the youngest of Albert and Jessie (McBride) Obernesser's six children, all of whom are now deceased. There were four boys – John, Eddie, Al and Phil – along with two girls, Gertrude (Boden) and Elizabeth.

After completing high school at St. Francis De Sales in Utica she attended St. Elizabeth's School for Nursing and graduated as an RN in 1945.

While serving as a public health nurse assigned to home care for returning disabled soldiers she met Rudolph Szymczak in Utica. On Sept. 30, 1947, they were married at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. They honeymooned along Route 66 as they made a transcontinental journey from New York to San Bernardino, Calif. – their new home.

At Holy Rosary Parish in San Bernardino they raised their four sons, Rudy, Steve, Matt and Ernie, all of whom survive her. From these she has 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She and Rudolph had a total of 32 nieces and nephews.

In 1972, two years after Rudolph died, she moved to Sebastopol, Calif., and joined St. Sebastian Parish. In 2004 she moved to Lakeport and St. Mary Immaculate Parish.

Elizabeth's faith has allowed her to overcome significant adversity in her life as well as to guide her to live a loving and caring life during which she has shown an abundance of mercy and forgiveness. A world filled with people of her ilk would truly be heaven on earth.

Her faith has now led her to a place beyond all human comprehension. For eternity she will reap the reward for having lived such a good and sacrificial life. The Light of Christ will forever shine upon her and fill her with heavenly joy. Her example will continue to guide her family and the families of those who knew her so that they too may share in God's eternal home.

Visitation will be held at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary on Sunday, Nov. 20, from 3 to 4 p.m., with Rosary at 4 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church on Monday, Nov. 21, at 11 a.m.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .