Ingrid Alice Heidi Helbing (nee Paech)
July 12, 2019
Passed peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Friday, July 12, 2019 at Parkwood Institute in London, Ontario, in her 83rd year. Ingrid was born in Neuruppin, Germany and her youth was spent in Bonn. After immigrating to Windsor, Ontario in the early 1970s via the U.S., she became a gifted and much-loved teacher who actively contributed to the community. Her passion for education was exemplified by multiple postgraduate degrees. She was a Sessional Instructor in Modern Languages and a dedicated member of the Faculty Association at the University of Windsor for many years before her retirement and relocation to London, Ontario.
Predeceased by her parents Friederich and Alice, sister Edelgard and brother Gisbert. Survived by her sister, Celia; daughters, Caren Helbing (Dennis) and Andrea Frossard (Bill); grandchildren Nathan, Caden, Mikayla, Caris, Eric, and Emily. We are grateful to Dr. G. Kim for his care, guidance, and empathy and to Dr. B. Fisher, Dr. M. MacDonald, and the staff at the London Cancer Clinic for their kindness and care. We thank the staff and community of Amica London for their friendship and assistance. We also thank Dr. M. Hebb, Cheryl, and the neurosurgery team at University Hospital and the compassionate and supportive palliative care team at Parkwood.
A private family memorial will take place according to Ingrid’s wishes. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to a charity of your choice.
O.M.I. (Omi, Mami, Ingrid) touched many lives with her humour, love, and zest for learning and life. Ingrid was a loving, devoted, and caring mom, Omi, and friend. She was always smiling and her bubbly personality immediately permeated any room she walked into. She will be greatly missed by all, but her spirit will live on. Never give up!
Leave a tribute for Ingrid Alice Heidi Helbing (nee Paech)
Leave a tribute
(Donated to Tree in Ingrid's memory planted at Parkwood. pls contact me. thank you, Jean)
(Donated to Canadian Cancer Society)
(Donated to Charity of Choice)
I worked with Ingrid often at the Faculty Association and often bumped into her around campus especially around the math building. In fact she and I were proof reading the collective agreement the day of 9/11. I always enjoyed Ingrid. She was warm kind and interested in people especially her students and contributed so much to her community. I send all my sympathy to her family and especially Andrea who was a wonderful math student. Ingrid will certainly be remembered for a long time by her friends and colleagues
Omi... you will be dearly missed. From the short time I have known you I will remember your positive attitude and your laughter at those memorable family gatherings. Andrea and Caren, my deepest condolences to you and your families and my thoughts are with you.
Dear Caren and Andrea, I am terribly sorry to hear about your loss. Your mom was a joyful and gifted hostess, and I recall many dinners (and play dates) at your home in Windsor. She also had a firm faith in her salvation - this is the reassurance we all hold through Christ's death and resurrection.I pray that this gives you peace during the difficult times. You are all in our thoughts and prayers, Kathy and Mark Pfaff
Our families were quite close, especially in the 1970s as our children were growing up. Bobbye and I have fond memories of our times together in Windsor, on Lake Huron, and even in Bonn. We will always remember Ingrid as that wonderfully warm, energetic, and generous person who brought light and infectious joy to almost every gathering. Our sincere condolences and love to Caren, Andrea, and Reinhard.
I first met Ingrid while a PhD student in the physics department in the early 1970's and, after joining UWindsor faculty in 1982, I spent many elevator rides to our offices, over many years, chatting and sharing stories of families and Life with Ingrid. So warm, so caring, so genuine - a loving woman with a huge heart. May joyous memories last for her family and all who knew her.
Professor Helbing was one of my first professors at the University of Windsor and one of the key reasons why I studied German and made it my major. Professor Helbing was such an transpiration not only as someone passionate about language but also the culture that is embedded in it. She would pepper her class with tales from Germany that inspired me to travel and study there. Professor Helbing inspired me to became a language instructor myself and was a shining example of professionalism and compassion. Professor Helbing certainly made an indelible mark on my life and I am forever grateful to have known such a warm and compassionate instructor. My heart goes out to her family, but I hope they take comfort in the fact that I am one of many people that Ingrid has left with unforgettable, happy memory of her great spirit. May she rest in peace.
Even with my occasional contact with Ingrid during our activity with the Faculty/librarian Association, I remember her infectious joyful and compassionate spirit. It is inspiring to read such accolades. Peace & joy.
I first knew Ingrid as a student when she was studying for one of her many degrees. Later we were colleagues at the University of Windsor.It was always a joy to encounter Ingrid as she radiated warmth and enthusiasm.Ingrid was very aware of the negatives which exist in our world. However she chose to focus on the positives.Her optimism was an inspiration to all who were involved with her.My condolences to her family.
Ingrid was without a doubt a role model for all of us both personally and professionally. Her heart-warming smile will be with us forever!
Andrea & Caren, My heartfelt condolences to you and your families. I will always remember your Mom's smile and loving personality.
(Donated to Charity of Choice)
(Donated to Canadian Cancer Society)
(Donated to brain tumour foundation of canada)
(Donated to Charity of Choice)
(Donated to Charity of Choice)
(Donated to Canadian Cancer Society )
(Donated to Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada)
Andrea We were very sorry to hear that your mother passed away.We did not know her very well but she was always joyful and happy to see us at church.We will miss her smile.Our thoughts and prayers are with you.May God grant you and your whole family comfort at this sad time.See you soon.
I called her Mom for the few years that I was privileged to live at the Helbing's. She opened her house but most importantly her heart to me! She influenced me more than I though possible. Never judging but always looking to the positive side of things with kindness and compassion. The last time I saw her was over 30 years ago and I can still remember the big hug and a few tears and of course the big smile at the end. Every time I spurt out a few German words it always brings me back to her classroom where I learned a few words and phrases. D she touched me more than many will ever know. I know it has been a tough few days for your entire family but remember her love and her smile and as she would say "be positive ". I am sure she will shine her PMA on you all!!! Love Tim
I am so sorry for your loss. May thoughts of her soon bring a smile to your heart. It sounds like she lived life well. All the best to all of you in your healing.
Andrea...you were my sister I never had, and Ingrid my second mom. For many years I lived between our two houses. I was so blessed to be a part of your amazing family. We saw the world together during those years....wearing our winter coats in California trying to live the dream...trudging through corn fields in Germany, getting in trouble in Rome, singing in the Gondolas in Venice, snickering at the statue of David, shopping in Switzerland and being amazed by the beauty of Greece. Almost getting hit by a car (going in the wrong direction!! well..sort of...lol) in London and being rescued by your dad. Almost being sold to a Saudia prince with you for 20 camels!! Thankfully your parents refused...We had to be worth more than that! lol Your mom will forever hold a special place in my heart. She was truly a gift. Hugs to you and Caran and your families. Love Karen
Andrea and Caren, my mother, Helga, and all of our families are so very saddened to hear about the loss of your mother. She was a very special lady and we all have many fond childhood memories from our time in Bayfield and Windsor. Please know our thoughts are with you. Love, Karen
Liebstes Schwesterchen Ingi, es schmerzt so sehr, doch bin ich voll Dankbarkeit, dass ich DICH als meine Schwester lieben und erleben durfte. Mein großes Vorbild! Ja, ich wollte immer sein wie DU - großherzig, offen für Menschen und ihre Kulturen, wissbegierig, fleißig, humorvoll und unendlich lieb ... Unser letztes Telefonat über den großen Ozean hinweg nach Old Germany: Du erzählst wieder so lebendig von Deinem guten Leben im Amica, vom Alltag Deiner family, die ich so sehr vermisse - so weit weg im fernen Kanada - und immer wieder lachen wir ... und sind uns bewusst, dass es das letzte Gespräch sein wird ... Du bist nun unserer geliebten Schwester Edeli gefolgt und unserem Bruder, meinem Zwilling Gisbert ... Haltet mir einen Platz frei - neben euch. "Leuchtende Tage: Nicht weinen, weil sie vorüber, sondern lächeln, dass sie gewesen." (Rabindranath Tagore) Wir - meine Kinder, meine Enkel und ich - trauern mit EUCH. Celia
Andrea, my deepest sympathy and condolences. Your mom was a fantastic lady and so good to us when we were growing up. She was always so warm and welcoming, even when we were difficult teens. I was blessed to have had her in my life and will cherish the memories. Hugs to you. Kathy
Sad to hear of the passing of your mom, Andrea. Thinking of you and your whole family - and wishing you many laughs and happy stories as you look back on the beautiful life your mom lived.
Ingrid was a cheerful and kind person who rendered much good service in key labour efforts within our union. Those of us who worked with her are the better for having known her. My, and our, thoughts and best wishes in this difficult time.
My deepest condolences to the entire family. Ingrid and I worked together teaching German at University of Windsor. She was not only a dear colleague, but more so a great mentor and advisor. Her positive outlook on life and always cheerful attitude left a lasting impact on anyone she has worked with.
I had the privilege of meeting Ingrid through the AMICA SINGS program. I saw her a couple of weeks ago and then again on Thurs. Thanks for the friendship Ingrid.. You were a blessing in my life.. Take good care family!! Blessings to all
I am so sorry to hear of Prof. Helbing's passing. I will always remember her ready smile and laugh at the University of Windsor, Languages Department.
Andrea & Caren, I was very sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. I only got to know your mom during my high school years but that was enough time to experience her genuine warmth, smile and huge hugs. It is never easy to say good bye to a parent but I hope that you can take some comfort in knowing that not only did she make a difference in your lives but also in the lives of others. She will be remembered and missed. When I think of her I will remember her smile. My sympathy to you and your families, Sandy
Andrea and family. I am so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. Please take comfort in knowing she is at peace now and no longer fighting. I'm glad I met her last year at the London Brain Tumour Walk. She was an inspiration to us all! She was a wonderful woman! HUGS to all!!
I occupied the office next to Ingrid's for six years before she retired. She was a lovely, warm colleague; I will remember always her wisdom, compassion, sense of justice and sense of humour. Danke und gute Reise, Liebe Ingrid. x
Your mom and I had many good years of marriage in Germany, California and later Canada. God blessed us with two wonderful daughters and half a dozen amazing and much loved grandchildren. May she rest in peace!
My wife, Dr. Susan Wendt-Hildebrandt, was Ingrid's teacher at the U of W, then her colleague and certainly her friend. We enjoyed Ingrid's loving spirit and warmth for many years, even after Susan's abilities declined, and Ingrid moved to London. Her love of life, her positive spirit, and her kind, optimistic and compassionate outlook continue to be an example to us. May she rest in peace, and may her family continue to enjoy the memory of the wonderful person she was!
Caren and Andrea, my deepest condolences to you and your families. I had the privilege of having Ingrid as a friend for the years she was in Windsor. I count myself lucky indeed. She was the most positive person I have known. She will live on in all our hearts. May she Rest In Peace.
My mother, Ursula, and I send you all our deepest sympathy. I remember many laughs and good times with Ingrid as my professor, colleague and friend. She was truly a wonderful person and she will be missed by all who knew her.
I would like to express my sincere condolences for the loss of Dr. Helbing. I knew her from the department of culture and civilization when I took German classes many years ago in 2002-2005. She did not teach me directly, but I had long meetings and conversations with her. I found a cheerful and energetic faculty who supported me and my aspiration including my trips to Germany . My prayers for her family and friends, and may she rest in eternal peace in the Almighty 's kingdom Rami Hanna
Make a donation
If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.
Charity of Choice
Notify family of your donation
Kindly submit the form below if you wish to notify the family of your donation.Memories
(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program)
~ John and Connie Huschilt