Helen Iossi

Helen Iossi went on to a new beginning at the age of 94 when she passed away on December 26, 2024, at the Woodlands in Toledo, Ohio. Helen was born to John and Mary (Garber) Harris in Davenport, IA, on July 29, 1930. She grew up in the Midwest, returning to Iowa where she married Glenn Iossi in 1950. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Music with a minor in History in 1970 from Ball State University and went on to teach elementary school music until retirement from Ottawa Hills Elementary School in 1990. Music was a key factor in her life when enjoying and singing with choral groups. Her teaching experiences were exceptionally meaningful and rewarding to her.

International travel, family camping, and visits to all 50 states and most National Parks were exciting. She and Glenn traveled extensively, backpacking and climbing in the US and Canadian Rockies. Helen lived life spurred by Glenn’s “spirit of Adventure”.

Helen was a member of the Philanthropic Education Organization for over 60 years, supporting women’s education. She was a member of the National Education Association and the National Association of Music Education and was a former member of the Toledo Symphony Chorale. Helen also enjoyed friendly games of bridge, attending concerts, the symphony, theater performances, the Toledo Museum of Art and the amazing Toledo Zoo. Helen was a long-standing member of the Methodist community in Toledo, most recently at Epworth United Methodist.

Helen’s vast volunteer contributions have been acknowledged as she garnered many prestigious recognitions and awards for her services: American Red Cross – National Honor Award and Special Citation for Exceptional Service, Certified HIV/Aids Instructor and Instructor Trainer; David’s House Compassion – Speakers Bureau (HIV/AIDS Education), Client Transport and Respite Care, Volunteer Awards 1996 and 2000, Board Member 1996-2002, Chairperson Client Services Committee; Primary Care Giver for HIV/AIDS infected son. NAMES Project Quilt Maker and participant. Ottawa Hills Foundation, Hall of Fame inductee 2013, Founder of the Brown Bag Chorus which celebrated 40 years in 2019, and Helen received the Principal’s Award from Ottawa Hills school for Outstanding Teacher in 1988.

She is survived by sons, David Iossi and Paul (Sharon) Iossi; grandchildren, Devon Iossi, Ryan Iossi, Alison (Larry) Melia, Aileen (Michael) Callan, Elizabeth (Jordan) Keller, Connor (Rebecca) Gaffney, Brian (Megan) Gaffney, Nolan Gaffney; and five great-grandchildren. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary Harris; brother, Jack Harris; Husband, Glenn Iossi; son, Stephen Iossi; and daughter, Mary Gaffney. Faith, family, and friends sustained her through the chapters of her life. In those chapters, Helen taught that “we cannot tell a mountain without a valley, and we learn to walk through valleys so we can climb the mountains!”

Memorials to in recognition of Helen’s amazing life lived to the fullest may be made to the Mayo Clinic, Ottawa Hills School Foundation, and Ashanti Hospice.