Helen Helmling

On the sunniest of fall days, Helen Anne Helmling, at 91 years old, went to be in the arms of her Lord and Savior on November 12th, 2023. Helen was born to Maria Havas and Istavan Galla in the countryside of Farad, Hungary in 1932.

Orphaned at a young age, Helen made her way through Austria and into Germany before she was sponsored for immigration to the United States at just 18 years old. Born Ilona Anna, Helen changed her name when she became a naturalized citizen of the United States. She learned her third language, English, and bought her first car. She worked at General Electric until she was in a severe car accident that nearly took her life. While on the mend at her friend Martha’s house, she met Martha’s brother-in-law, John, who fell in love with Helen and kept coming back to see her. John and Helen married on July 16, 1960, with his daughters, Carol and Kathie, in attendance. They welcomed their little Debbie the following year. Helen was a prayer warrior and always praised God for getting her through the toughest times in her life and protecting her.

Helen loved Jesus, her family, music, reading, chocolate, and singing hymns. Helen is survived by her daughters; Carol (Richard), Kathie, and Deborah, along with her cherished son-in-law, Dennis. Helen’s grandchildren were her pride and joy and forever missing her will be Melissa (Mark), Brad (Vikki), Christine, Valerie (Josh), John, Steven (Lisa), Nicole (Grant), and Amanda, along with 14 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.

Helen was preceded in death by her dear husband, John Helmling, who helped provide a beautiful life for her, and her infant granddaughter, Leslie Ann Sauvey.

When asked what wishes she has for her children and grandchildren, Helen always answered “Be strong in the Lord. Don’t be grumpy, you shorten your years! Be happy and thankful”.

Friends and family will be received on Friday, November 17, 2023, at Wyers-Bollinger Funeral Chapel at 2900 N. Ridge Road in Elyria, OH with visitation from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, followed by the funeral service. A graveside burial service will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery at 7284 Lake Avenue in Elyria, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made under Helen’s name to “The Hope Center for Refugees and Immigrants” at Building Hope in the City at 15135 Triskett Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44111.

Wyers-Bollinger Funeral Chapel is assisting the family with all funeral arrangements.