Helene Anne Szczerba, age 60, of Toledo passed away peacefully on Monday, August 2, 2021 at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on February 4, 1961 in Toledo, Ohio to Edwin and Helen (Radlinski) Rybarczyk. A graduate of Whitmer High School, she received her Bachelors Degree in Education (Physical Education) with a minor in Vocal Music, and her Masters Degree in Exercise Science, all from the University of Toledo. She was also certified as an Exercise Physiologist by the American College of Sports Medicine. Most recently, she was a Wellness Coordinator for the BP Refinery for 15 years, a Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor for the JCC of Sylvania, and in 2018, as an Exercise Physiologist, created her LLC, “A to Z Fit & Well”.
Helene was a talented soprano and shared her gifts as a cantor at Christ the King Catholic Church and Rosary Cathedral. She loved singing as a member of the choir at Trinity Episcopal Church in downtown Toledo and was a 17-year member of the Echoes of Poland. An excellent cook, Helene enjoyed sharing dinners at home with her family and hosting gatherings for holidays throughout the year. She was an avid gardener and lifelong exercise enthusiast. Helene loved walking her German Shepherd, Charlie, and always said that “Exercise is the best medicine”. Above all else, she loved her husband and kids fiercely.
Helene was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers, John and Joseph Rybarczyk. She is survived by her devoted husband of 34 years, Stanislaw “Stas” Szczerba (married September 20, 1986); son, Andrew Szczerba; daughter, Natalie Szczerba; sister, Francine Rybarczyk-Clouse; brothers, James (Antoinette), William, and Edwin (Karen) Rybarczyk; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Sunday, August 8 from 3-8 p.m. at Sujkowski Funeral Home Northpointe, 114 E. Alexis Rd. with a rosary at 7 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be Monday at 11 a.m. in Christ The King Catholic Church where the family will greet visitors from 10:15 - 11 a.m.
Memorial donations may be given to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, or Christ The King Catholic Church. Condolences may be shared at www.sujkowski.com.
For those who are not able to attend Helene’s funeral Mass it will be available via live stream. Please go to www.cktoledo.org, and scroll down to view the Stream Spot image. Click the area in the middle to gain access to the live feed. If you would like to view the funeral on your personal device, you may access the Mass via the Christ the King (CK Toledo with an image of a crown of thorns) app. After downloading, click the media icon and it will open to the Stream Spot feed.
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