Helen F. Jongleux

Helen Frances Jongleux (Arnold), Aiche (H) to some, G’Ma to many of her grandkids, and GiGi to her great grandkids, was born July 1, 1928, peacefully left her loved ones on this Earth on December 16, 2022. Helen was the second daughter of Frank and Ann Meindl, was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, lived in Chicago, IL where she graduated from Mundelein College, worked for Del Farms Foods — the grocery chain which she proudly helped her father to name — and met her beloved husband Alfred (Al). In 1964, Al and Helen moved to the northeast side of Indianapolis where they made their home for themselves and their seven children. Helen and Al were married for nearly 44 years before Al passed in 1996. Helen started working in 1971 at Indiana National Bank, establishing herself in the banking world at a time when few women did so. She eventually became Vice President and managed the branch located at Marquette Manor Senior Living Community, a place where she made many friends and where she loved helping her customers. Helen was involved in Toastmasters, Altrusa International, and gave many years of dedicated volunteer service to Fatima Retreat House. She was an active member of St Pius X Catholic Parish for 58 years and involved with their SPRED program for many years. She volunteered at St Augustine’s Home for the Aged and belonged to a chapter of the Red Hat Society with many of her dear friends. But by far, Helen’s shining jewels in her crown were her seven children, twelve grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren, all who she bragged about often. Helen was the kind of person who drew our pictures on our paper lunch bags and wrote poems from the dog to us when we were away at college. She had a witty sense of humor but was not the best at repeating a canned joke. She was an extrovert, a good friend, a welcoming hostess who loved planning parties and gatherings. She loved to cook, and she made the best brownies in the world. Frequently she said she was making meals for a large army, and always found room at her table, especially at the holidays, for those who were away from their families. She loved her family and friends and will be missed by all who loved her. In 2009, Helen married Carl Arnold. Together they enjoyed cruising the Rhine on their honeymoon and a trip to Hawaii. They enjoyed watching sports - especially college basketball and Colt’s football — and would rarely answer the phone between 7:30 - 8pm when they always watched Jeopardy! They endeavored to make each other laugh during their senior years. Carl passed in 2016. Helen is preceded in death by her husband Al, and her second husband Carl, and her sisters Eileen Maloney and Marie Wagner. She is survived by her children Dave (Lynn), Bob (Brenda), Michele Collins (John), Helene, Anne (Tom Jones), Patty Tillett (Matt), and Betsy Barr (Dave); her grandchildren Penny, Bart (Alison), Kelly (Brady), Ben, Daniel, Sarah, Alicia (Chaz), Evan, Brian (Georgina), Quinn, Peyton, and Olivia; her great-grandchildren Ethan, Charlie, Theo, Oliver, Matilda, Collins and Emery, numerous nieces and nephews and many dear friends. The family wishes to thank Guardian Angel Hospice and the staff at Marquette Senior Living where Helen was well cared for during the last two years of her life. Visitation will be Monday, January 2, 2023, 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at Shirley Brothers Fishers-Castleton Chapel, 9900 Allisonville Road. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St Pius X Catholic Church January 3, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fatima Retreat House and St Pius X Catholic Parish.

Tributes

Helen F. Jongleux

July 1, 1928 - December 16, 2022