Mary Helen Brachel

Mother Teresa once said, “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.”
Mary Helen (Eland) Brachel was the epitome of these words. Her kindness and smile resonated throughout everything she did in her life. If you were fortunate enough to know Mary, you have felt the genuine love and affection she had for all those around her. 
She was born to Ralph and Helen (Niedzielski)  Eland on March 25, 1947 Mary was a loving sister to Irene (Al) Krause, Nancy (Tommy) Szymanski, and preceded in death by the late Roger Eland. She was a cherished sister-in-law to the late Larry (Ruth) Brachel, Gerald (Susie) Brachel, and the late Mary (Brachel) Eichinhorn. She grew up in the Chene Street neighborhood where her neighbors and classmates became family to her. She attended St. Albertus School in Detroit, and remained active with the church throughout her life. She continued her education at St. Stanislas High School in Detroit where she met many of her lifelong friends. 

On May 14, 1965 she married the love of her life, a neighborhood friend Jene N. Brachel a handsome young serviceman just coming off his tour in Vietnam. They had three children Rosann Brachel, Hollie (Tom) Reeber, and preceded in death by Anthony Brachel. Mary was blessed with and treasured all her nieces and nephews, and played a special roll in their lives. She was very active in the Assumption Grotto Parish and school in Detroit for many years. Again, Mary had made many lasting friendships from Grotto that had continued her entire life. 
She worked for many years as a stock broker clerk for Olde Discount Stockbrokers, H&R Block, and Ameriprise. She loved going into work, not because she loved her job, but because she loved spending time with her  “bus buddies” on the way to work, and the people she got to spend time with every day. There was a consistent theme in her time here on earth, she made lasting friendships in every aspect of her life.
Her pride and joy for her later years in life were her grandchildren Mary, Isabelle, Grace, and Thomas Reeber, and her great nephew Evan Gallus. If you have ever had a conversation with Mary about her grandchildren, you could tell she was beaming with pride. She enjoyed attending all their sporting events and was a very vocal cheerleader. 
Mary Helen (Eland) Brachel entered eternal rest on April 8, 2022.

“One thing will always secure heaven for us-the acts of charity and kindness with which we have filled our lives. We can do no great things, only small things with great love” - Mother Teresa.

Mary showed kindness to every person she encountered, and did all things with great love. We can be secure in knowing that Mary truly was a soul that earned her angel wings here on earth and is enjoying a life of eternal peace in heaven.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Tuesday, April 12, 2022 from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the Bagnasco & Calcaterra Funeral Home, 13650 East 15 Mile Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48312. Mass will be held on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at Our Lady of Refuge, 3750 Commerce Road, Orchard Lake, MI 48324, Instate at 9:30 am until time of Mass at 10:00 am.