Helen Margaret Butwin Meunier, 99, of Brazil, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2024. She was born July 20, 1925, in Seelyville, IN, the daughter of John Butwin and Anna Mehok Butwin.
She was the 10th child of 11 children born into the Butwin family.
She was raised in Seelyville, attended the Holy Rosary Catholic Church and went to school at the Glenn Grade School and Glenn High School. She was the top graduate and with the help of her family and scholarships, she was able to attend Indiana State Teacher’s College. She graduated with a Teaching eDgree and began her teaching career in Northern Indiana in the small towns of Medaryville and Royal Center, before coming back to Glenn High School. She taught for 15 years in English and Math. She also was one of the first women teaching in the Girls Physical Education Program. She was also a sponsor for several clubs for high school students.
Helen Margaret was united in marriage to Bernard Meunier in 1960. After Helen became pregnant with their first child, she was forced to resign from teaching, “That’s the way it was back in those times,” as she would say. Later, she would re-enter the workforce as a Rural Carrier for the United States Post Office. She retired after 15 years of service.
Helen was a devoted fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Indiana Pacers. She enjoyed attending games with her children and her sister, Dorothy. She and Dorothy also took many casino trips including Las Vegas, Tunica, MS and French Lick. Helen was also in the postal workers woman’s auxiliary with her sister-in-law, Betty Butwin. They enjoyed going to the Convention every year.
Helen was an excellent cook and enjoyed making many a Sunday Dinner for her family. That family tradition was something she held dear. She loved spending time with family, going to grandchildren’s school and sporting events, and the Butwin Family Reunions. She was devoted to her faith and never missed going to Mass on Saturday or Sunday.
Survivors include her children, Bernie Meunier (Melinda), Helen A. Meunier (Dale Cooper) all of Brazil, and Chris Meunier (Cathy), of Tallahassee, FL; grandchildren, Bralynne Meyers (Mark), Brek Meunier, Brinn Meunier, Brittany Childress (Joel), Breanna Maxwell, Brendi Glenn (Jocco), Mason Short, Kasey Smith (Zach), Casey Meunier, Chrysalin Meunier and Alexandria Kernan (Austin); great-grandchildren, Kullen Meunier (Haylee), Katherine Meyers, Klaire Meyers, Karter Meyers, Calli White, Chloe Meunier, Brason Moody, Brogan Moody, Mackenzie Childress, Luke Childress, Ethan Maxwell, Eva Maxwell, Leihden Glenn, Bryer Glenn and Rhodes Kernan; one great-great-grandchild, Kayde Meunier; sister in law, Betty Butwin and many nieces, nephews and extended family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard A. Meunier; her parents; brothers, Wendell Butwin, Steve Butwin, John Butwin, Frank Butwin and George Butwin; sisters, Anne Tribble, Mary Buck, Dorothy Jones and a special niece, Helen Susan (Susie) Buck.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am Friday, November 15, 2024, at Annunciation Catholic Church with Father Michael Fritsch officiating. Burial will follow at Clearview Cemetery.
Visitation will be on Thursday, November 14, from 4-8 pm at Lawson-Miller Chapel, 1702 E. National Ave. Brazil, IN, with Rosary Service at 7:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Annunciation Catholic Church, 19 N. Alabama St. Brazil, IN. 47834
