Helen Marie Peplinski, age 101, of Monroe, passed away on August 19, 2026, at the Gardens of Carleton, surrounded by her family.

Helen was born in Monroe, Michigan, to Clem and Hilda (Van Acker) Mexico. She attended St. Michael the Archangel Elementary School and graduated from St. Mary Academy. She worked in the administrative office at Monroe Steel Castings until marrying her sweetheart, Richard D. “Dick” Peplinski, on April 21, 1951. Together, they raised five children and shared a life rooted in family, faith, and friendship. Dick preceded her in death in 2023.

Helen was blessed with a friendly spirit and could strike up a conversation with anyone she met, making instant friends along the way. She was always quick to serve her friends, her community, and her church through countless hours of volunteering, including in various capacities at St. Michael the Archangel Parish and its chapter of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. An avid knitter, she used her skills to create and donate newborn baby hospital caps. She created countless knitted treasures throughout her life, including baby booties and adult slipper socks that she joyfully gave to family, friends, and strangers.

Helen was also a talented artist. During her empty-nest years, she could often be found at her craft table, meticulously painting holiday scenes on glass Christmas ornaments, which she gifted to family and friends.

Helen and Dick also enjoyed golfing and travel. They journeyed throughout the United States, often as part of an Airstream rally group, creating lifelong bonds with fellow travelers they met along the way. Helen also enjoyed playing cards and was known as the “Scrabble Queen.”

Helen lived a remarkably long, full and joyful life. The family would like to thank the staff at Heart to Heart Hospice, especially her aide Hollie, as well as the many extraordinary caregivers at the Gardens of Carleton, for their loving kindness.

Helen is survived by four daughters, Gail Peplinski, Gwen (Michael) Davison, Lynn (Scott) Schultz, and Cheryl (Jeffrey) Buckthorpe; seven grandchildren, Courtney Arram, McKenna (Chapel) Peplinski-Martinez, Amy (Kyle) Upchurch, Nicholas (Lauren) Davison, Sara Schultz (Eric Hehl), Bradley Buckthorpe (Lindsay Schantz), and Brittany (Jake) Johnson; 19 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Dean Richard Peplinski; her grandson, Michael Scott Davison; her granddaughter, Taylior AnneMarie Peplinski; and her grandson-in-law, Hanny Arram.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. on Monday, August 24, 2026, at Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 South Telegraph Road, Monroe, Michigan where a Scripture Service will be at 7 p.m. Helen will lie in state on Tuesday, August 25th at 10 a.m. at St. Michael the Archangel Parish, where a Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Rev. Fr. Kishore Babu Battu will officiate, followed by interment at St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael’s Society of St. Vincent de Paul or to St. Michael the Archangel Parish.

Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com.