Helen Marie Schmanski Carlberg, 92, of St. Ignace, died Tuesday, October 27, 2009, at 1 p.m. at Mackinac Straits Hospital Long Term Care after a lingering illness.

She was born July 12, 1917, in Cheboygan. Her father was Joseph Schmanski.

She was graduated from Cheboygan High School in 1935.

She was a homemaker who enjoyed keeping her family’s Polish tradition alive with her own family, especially her grandchildren. Mrs. Carlberg loved her flower gardens, and grew a large garden in her younger years.

She married Philip Jess August 27, 1982. She kept Carlberg as her last name. After their marriage, one could see them daily traveling in their little red car, often visiting the Truck Stop, Clyde’s Drive In, and stores in the area, family members said.

Mrs. Carlberg is survived by two sons and their families, Leonard “Duck” and Rochelle Nelson, and Dale and Dawn Nelson, both of St. Ignace Township; five grandchildren, Allan, Michelle, Jodi, Staci, and Nicholas, and seven great-grandchildren, Samantha, Chelsey, Abigail, Alayna, Brooklyn, Alphonso, and Pedro. She is also survived by a sister, Lucille, of Muskegon.

She was preceded in death by about two weeks by her husband, Philip, who died October 8, 2009.

Mass of Christian burial was Monday, November 2, at 11 a.m. at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church with Father Pawel Mecwel and Deacon Tom McClelland officiating. Burial was in St. Ignatius Cemetery beside her husband. Family members served as pallbearers.

Dodson Funeral Home in St. Ignace assisted the family with arrangements.