Helen L. Abdouch

Helen L. Abdouch

September 14, 1924 – October 20, 2020

 

Helen Abdouch passed away peacefully on October 20, 2020.  She was 96 years old.

The youngest daughter of Mike and Sadie David, Helen was born on September 14, 1924 in Tryon, Nebraska.  Although she moved away from the Sandhills after high school, a part of her heart was always there, and she often referred to Tryon as “God’s country.”  She married Ivan M. Abdouch, her “one and only,” on May 16, 1948, and together they raised three children in Omaha.

After graduating from McPherson County High School in 1941, Helen studied at Nettleton Business College for two years, and worked for the Wright and Wilhelmy Company before marrying and becoming a mother.  She was a backbone for her family and community, mostly serving in roles for which she did not receive (nor did she expect) recognition.  She was named the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities Woman of the Year for her work helping raise funds and awareness for St. Jude’s Hospital, and served as a Cub Scout Den Mother for her sons’ troops.  Beyond the accolades, though, she worked unselfishly to support her family and others and she took pride in seeing their success and the accomplishments in their lives and careers. In later years, she was well known in her communities as a spitfire who had a saying for every occasion.

Helen loved big band music, scotch and water with a twist, and word searches.  She was an avid sports fan and rooted hard for the Husker football team, the Chicago Cubs, the Atlanta Braves, and her husband’s favorite Washington Redskins, and she was selected to throw out the first pitch at an Omaha Storm Chasers game at 88 years old.  Most of all, she loved the College World Series, for which she was a longtime season ticket holder and attended games annually since 1951.  However, her greatest joy was to spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Ivan; parents; and six siblings.  She is survived by her children: Mike (Cheri) Abdouch, Nancy (Mike) Nielsen and Ivan (Becki) Abdouch, all of Omaha; grandchildren: Anisa (Jeff) Kopecky, Mikala (Jess) Hardessen, Kiley (Gregory) Eaton, Travis (Julie) Nielsen, Krissy (Phil) Stiles, Alex (Daryl) Kohlscheen, and Sammi (Mitch) Kracl; great-grandchildren: Olivia, Evangeline, Simeon, Lilly, Kinley, Evelyn, and Max; and countless nieces, nephews and friends.

VISITATION following CDC guidelines: Sunday, October 25th from 3pm to 5pm, at the West Center Chapel.  FUNERAL SERVICE: Monday, October 26th, 1pm, West Center Chapel.  INTERMENT: Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to Endless Journey Hospice or the Alzheimer’s Association.

To view a live broadcast of the Service and Graveside Services, go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Service” button on the homepage.

 

 

 

 

 

9 Comments

  • Judy Yacio Posted October 20, 2020 11:28 pm

    May Helen now rest in peace with Ivan. Much love goes to her beloved children and all her family. She had a lin6g and fruitful life. Memory eternal, my beloved Helen.

  • Tom Abdouch Posted October 22, 2020 7:22 pm

    So sorry to hear of Aunt Helen’s passing! Such a wonderful lady, she will be truly missed. We were all very fortunate to be blessed with her presents. So many fond memories!
    Much Love!

  • Pam Dinsmoor Posted October 23, 2020 1:29 pm

    I am sorry for your loss. Sounds like she was an amazing lady with a fulfilling, wonderful life. Sending thoughts and prayers to the family.

  • Cheri Clark Posted October 23, 2020 3:06 pm

    Mike, my deepest sympathies to you and your family. I never met your mom, but I can tell how wonderful she must have been just by knowing you and reading her bio. No matter how old we are, it’s never easy to lose a parent. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve and I am sending healing prayers, during this time.

  • Mike & Teresa David Posted October 23, 2020 3:12 pm

    Teresa and I are saddened by Aunt Helen’s passing. God bless her and keep her. So glad we wee able to reconnect after many years. Such a special lady!

  • Karla Molina Posted October 23, 2020 8:10 pm

    I had the pleasure of working with Helen and she was always making me laugh she was one of the toughest women I have ever met and still kept going no matter what she would put up a fight but even on her worst days she knew how to make you smile. My deepest condolences to your family may she rest in piece

  • Rick and Nancy Noda Posted October 26, 2020 1:37 pm

    We are very sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. It sounds like she had a life well-lived and had a loving family with her. No matter her age or ours- moms hold a special place in our hearts every day. Blessings to the Abdouch family.

  • Kathleen Yacio Sargent Posted October 27, 2020 10:20 pm

    Aunt Helen lived a remarkable life. Wishing you comfort and peace.

  • Jack Taff Posted December 23, 2023 12:10 pm

    Please accept my condolences. Helen was a great lady.

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