Judith Allison Helling

Judith Allison Weiner Helling passed away on Friday, September 29, 2023, at Palm Garden long- term care facility in Gainesville, FL after an extended period of dementia and a final debilitating stroke. Judy, daughter of William and Vera Weiner, was born on August 26, 1941, in St. Louis, MO. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, John F. Helling; a daughter, Melanie Helling (partner Scott Miller); a son, Bruce Helling; and a sister, Diane Green (husband Robert Green). Other surviving relatives include Charles and Sharon Helling of Beltsville, MD; Margaret Aarestad of Denver, CO; and Teresa Helling of Ann Arbor, MI. She was predeceased by her parents, her father-in-law and mother-in-law, and two brothers -in-law, Robert Helling and Norman Aarestad. After graduation from high school (Kettering, OH) she received a B.S. degree in biochemistry from Ohio State University. Judy was an active, outgoing person. She was a faithful member of First Lutheran Church who served in many leadership roles there as well as in a number of other organizations. She served many years as a poll worker, was a volunteer for AARP tax preparation, a docent at the Florida Museum of Natural History, and assisted several vision clinic mission trips to Nicaragua. She was a Girl Scout troop leader and later served as a Gateway Girl Scout Council member. Her caring nature was exemplified by her organization of church food box drives for Gainesville Community Ministries for several years. She enjoyed travel, sewing, reading, family fun, Sudoku, bridge, baking, bowling (University Women's Club League), handbell choir, crossword puzzles, and caring for her flowers. She will be greatly missed not only by the immediate family, but by many other relatives and friends as well. A memorial service to celebrate Judy's life will be held at First Lutheran Church, 1801 NW 5th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32603, on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 11:00 am with Pastor Jonathan Rockey presiding. A reception will follow in the Besalski Fellowship Hall. There will be a private interment at Forest Meadows Central Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that memorial gifts be given to First Lutheran Church or to the Gateway Girl Scout Council. Arrangements are in the care of Forest Meadows Funeral Home, 735 NW 23rd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32609. www,forestmeadowsfh.com; (352)378-2528

Judith Allison Helling

August 26, 1941 - September 29, 2023