Helen Margaret Swope

Helen Margaret Swope, 90 years, of Toledo, OH, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 5, 2026.  She was born on October 18, 1935, to the late Joseph and Marie Horak in Elmore, OH.

Helen attended Harris-Elmore High School, graduating in 1953. Throughout her life, she was a dedicated worker, who was active in a wide variety of fields, mastering new skills with ease. She brought her trademark enthusiasm to every role she took on from Kozy Korners, to Erie Army Depot, Goodwill Industries and various other jobs.  She was never afraid to try new

things, always proving herself to be an adaptable, hardworking, and invaluable presence in any workplace.

Helen was a multifaceted woman who approached life with endless curiosity.  She was quick-witted, with an amazing sense of humor and a contagious laugh. The latter part of her life was richly blessed by the addition of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she constantly doted on and forever adored. In addition to focusing on family, she dedicated her time to her many interests, including traveling, volunteering at church, playing cards

(and winning), playing Bingo, foraging at garage sales, and spending time in the kitchen crafting kolache or whatever she could throw together from leftovers.  She was passionate about her Czech heritage, and enjoyed listening and dancing to music. She took advantage of every opportunity for adventure and lived life to the fullest. She was a loyal friend with a kind heart, who was extremely generous and caring. Helen’s joyful spirit was evident to all who knew her.

Helen was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother/Babu. She will be dearly missed by her family, including her children: Rick (Sue) Swope, and Connie Martinez; grandchildren: Rick (Heather) Martinez, Amanda (Dustin) Terrell, Matthew Martinez, Stephanie Swope, Tricia (Matt) Morey, and Daniel (Shaina) Swope; great-grandchildren, Lucas, Mia and Mya Martinez, Christian and Austin Terrell; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her daughter, Deborah King; brothers, Joseph Horak and Frank Horak; and sisters, Anne Tabbert, Agnes Myerholtz, Mary Kania, and Catherine Rollheiser.

Visitation will be Friday, June 12, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church at 8330 Lewis Avenue, Temperance, MI where the funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m.  Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. in Salem Township Union Cemetery, 11565 OH-105, Oak Harbor, OH. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Urbanski’s Bedford Funeral Chapel 8300 Lewis Ave. Temperance, MI. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be shared at www.bedfordfuneralchapel.com.