Beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Helen Anne Kress Turpish, age 64, died November 20, 2017 at Carolinas Healthcare System-Charlotte. Born on Thanksgiving Day in 1952 Helen was the daughter of the late Albin and Stella Bodowski Kress.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, William Turpish; daughters, Jana Turpish Herko of Collingswood, NJ and Jenny Turpish St. Romain of Gastonia; grandchildren, Bronwen, Lila, Adam, Corinne, Adele and Jonah St. Romain and sons-in-law Pete Herko and T.J. St. Romain.

A native of Detroit, she graduated from Dominican High School and attended Wayne State University. She worked for the Internal Affairs Division of the Detroit Police Department before marrying William J. Turpish in 1974. They moved to Shelby in 1979, nearly a 40 year resident of Shelby, where they built their lives together and raised their two daughters. She worked with her husband, Bill, at his company, WJ Turpish and Co.

Helen touched the lives of all she met, whether through her beautiful voice, drive to help others or friendly charm. She shared her talent for singing by serving for 30 years as cantor at St. Mary Help of Christians Roman Catholic Church and by singing at senior centers and nursing homes throughout the community. She was a vocalist for the Frank Love Orchestra and spent years singing at weddings, funerals and at several churches for mass and services. She even wrote and performed singing telegrams and wrote the theme song for the Kiwanis International Terrific Kids Program.

She was also an active member of the community theater scene in both Shelby and Cherryville, where she performed in dozens of musicals. In addition to her gift of song, she was known for her energy, her wit and sense of humor, and compassion for others.

A constant volunteer, Helen's commitment to her community reached from her position on the board of the Cleveland Vocational Industries to service as a volunteer at the hospital gift shop, area schools and ministries at St. Mary's.

But for the past 10 years, she poured her heart into her grandchildren and was happiest when she was with them. A dedicated "Mimi", she cherished being a part of their lives.

She will be greatly missed by her family, friends and the entire community.

Visitation will be Nov. 26 from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., preceded by a rosary and wake service at 2 p.m. at the Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home. A Mass of the Resurrection will be on her birthday, Nov. 27 at 10:30 a.m. at the Queen of the Apostles Church in Belmont, NC.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to: Queen of the Apostles, Building Fund, 503 N. Main Street, Belmont, NC 28012.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family of Mrs. Turpish.

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com