Helena Louise Zill

On Sunday, June 4, 2017, we lovingly said a temporary farewell to our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Helena Louise Zill. Helena (Mema, as she was lovingly called by her grandchildren) was a woman of great faith and lived this faith as an example to all of us on daily basis. Next to her Lord and Savior, her family was the love her life. She was born on August 12, 1927 to Frederick and Anna Marie Clara Wackenhut. She was the youngest of eight children. On June 18, 1947 she married Edwin Otto Zill who preceded her in death in 2013. They were blessed with three children who survive, Pamela (Leo) Otto; Steven (Julie) Zill and Janice Heligman.

Helena was a devoted mother, staying at home to care for her children until they were all in school. She was the “stamp lady” at her children’s elementary school. She spent several years working at St. Paul Lutheran School and in 1975 she began her next career as the Assistant to the President of Concordia Ann Arbor where she stayed until her retirement. Even while working, her focus was always on her children and then her grandchildren to whom she unselfishly and lovingly gave of her time.

Helena was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Edwin, her parents and her seven brothers and sisters. She is survived by her three children, her ten grandchildren Aimee, Timothy, Emily, Steven, Elizabeth, Michael, Scott, Aaron, Samantha and Daniel; her nine great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and of course, her constant companion, Sir Winston, lovingly referred to as Puppy.

A heartfelt appreciation goes to Mema’s granddaughter, Aimee, who provided love, support and companionship for both Mema and for her grandfather, Beba, so that they were able to remain in their own home. Also to Aimee’s friend, Kristy Williams who spent the last several months of Mema’s life loving and helping to care for her, as another member of her family.

Mema will be missed here but we look forward to a certain reunion with her in heaven.

A service in honor of Helena Zill will take place at St. Paul Lutheran Church Ann Arbor on Thursday, June 8, 2017 at 11 a.m. Visitation will take place at the church at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to St. Paul Lutheran Church or School, 420 W. Liberty, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103.