Obituary
It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for her life that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Dorothy Marie Helm (Ilene). Ilene went to be with her husband Robert on November 9, 2024 after an extended stay at Brickyard Healthcare. She was a pillar of support that helped to bind our family together and will be sorely missed in the coming days, weeks, and years.
She was born November 27, 1938 in Prestonsburg, Kentucky to the late Joe and Ellen Woods Burchett. Ilene moved to Muncie where she met and married Robert Helm. They attended Fountain Square Church for many years and eventually moved to Wildwood, Florida where they enjoyed many friends.
When Ilene was just 9 months old she contracted Polio. Due to tough economic circumstances she was taken and admitted by herself, for treatment to Kosair Crippled Children’s Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky. She was cared for by hospital staff who notified her parents and family by mail of her progress for the next year of her life. Ilene never displayed or mentioned her disability to friends or family until years later when she was confined to a wheelchair due to Post Polio Syndrome.
Ilene is survived by her daughter, Priscilla Sorrell (Brad) of Muncie, Indiana and son Greg Helm (Pamela) of Pace, Florida; grandchildren, Marie Reed (Joe) of Muncie, Indiana, Jennifer Roberts of Pendleton, Indiana, Tyler Copeland (Katie) of Pendleton, Indiana, Lauryn Kraushaar of Raleigh, North Carolina, Matt Helm (Johana) of Seattle, Washington; thirteen great-grandchildren, Brandt, Brady, Violet, Grady, Judd, Grier, Lilly, Jack, Sophia, Max, Elise, Ainsley, Addy; sister, Cova McComis of Walbridge, Ohio and several nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.
Ilene is preceded in death by her husband Robert, her parents, brothers Dewey, Ed, Darvin and Charles Burchett and sister Norma Hill who have been waiting for her in heaven. Ilene had many friends scattered about the country from her travels, her life in Florida and here locally.
The family has entrusted Garden View Funeral Home to handle arrangements. The family will have a private celebration of life and ask that in lieu of flowers you make a small donation to the charitable foundation of your choice. Animal Rescue Fund Muncie, Kosair.org or post-polio.org/
Donations
Animal Rescue Fund Muncie, Kosair.org or post-polio.org/