Helen Benkis

Helen Benkis

March 5, 1940 – September 15, 2024

Helen Benkis passed away on September 15, 2024, after a brief illness, at the age of 84 in Omaha, Nebraska.

Helen was born on March 5, 1940, in Zytnowicze in the district of Pinsk in Poland, and immigrated to the United States with her family when she was 8 years old.  She loved America and often talked about how blessed she felt living in this country. She became an official citizen of the US in 1964.  In her teens, she met Zigmas (Ziggy) Benkis, also an immigrant from Lithuania.  Their marriage was a strong one and lasted until Ziggy’s untimely death in 2004.  They had three children, all of whom adored their parents.

Helen loved her children and family fiercely.  She always made sure everyone felt welcome, with plenty of food and plenty of laughs along the way.  Being the Matriarch of the family, she spent a lot of time listening to our “problems,” offering advice, and often helping us find the funny side of things.  On top of that, Helen couldn’t pass up a good garage sale.  Coming from a war-torn country, she saw value in everything and didn’t throw anything away.  Garage sales were a way for her to stock up on items because you never know when you might need something, like 14 alarm clocks she purchased from Kmart’s blue light special!  If you stopped over for coffee and a chat and mentioned your toaster broke, she’d excuse herself for a minute and come back with a toaster for you to take home.  She loved nature, feeding others, Fox News, and spending time with her family.  An anchor for her family, she will be sorely missed and never forgotten.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Zigmas Benkis.  She is survived by her three children: Theresa Petersen, James Benkis and Thomas Benkis; four grandchildren: Nicholas Petersen (Amanda), Jessica Beam (Alex), Brittany Necker (Craig), and Michael Wagner (Caitlin); great-grandchildren: Briana Melvin, Benjamin Melvin, Brooklyn Beam, Laurynn Wagner, Raylyn Necker, and Ziggy Necker; sister, Antonia Jarosz; niece, Wanda Galas (Paul).

VIGIL SERVICE: Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 7:00PM at West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha with a VISITATION from 5:00-7:00PM.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Thursday, September 19, 10:00AM, St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, 1248 S. 10th St. Omaha.

INTERMENT: St. Mary Magdalene Cemetery

Please join the family for a luncheon at the funeral home immediately following a graveside prayer service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Josie Harper Hospice House.

To view a live broadcast of the Vigil and Mass, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.