Helyn Bolanis

Ms. Helyn C. Bolanis, OP, age 74, of Sylvania, Ohio, passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on January 12, 2026, surrounded by the enduring love of her daughter Nichole D. Baker of Pasadena, California. Born on December 26, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan, to Charles and Joan Bolanis, Helyn's life was a testament to her unwavering Catholic faith, a commitment that guided her every step and illuminated the lives of those around her.

Helyn received the gift of baptism on October 10, 1953, at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Detroit, Michigan. Following a profound spiritual journey, she made her Profession of Faith in May 1981, embracing the fullness of communion with the Roman Catholic Church and deepening her relationship with Christ. Her faith reached its zenith as a lay Dominican with the Fraternity of St. Catherine of Siena #603 in Columbus, Ohio, where she made her Rite of Reception in 2023 and perpetual promises in February 2025. Her vocation as a Dominican laity member enriched her life with prayer, study, community, and apostolic service, allowing her to live out the Gospel with great devotion.

A faithful parishioner at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church in Sylvania, Ohio, Helyn served as a lector and extraordinary minister of the Blessed Sacrament, a ministry she carried out with reverence and joy. Her presence in the church was marked by her dedication to the liturgical life and her deep love for the Eucharist.

Helyn's faith also inspired her civic engagement and leadership. She was a proud member of the Rotary Club of Toledo, serving as its president in 2008-09 and as Rotary district governor for District 6600 in 2011-12. Through Rotary's motto, "Service Above Self," Helyn exemplified Christian stewardship and worked tirelessly to better her community and the world.

Among the highlights of her life was her attendance at the inauguration of President Donald J. Trump in January 2025, reflecting her active civic involvement and commitment to the principles she held dear.

Helyn founded Parlan Financial Corporation April 18, 1988, as a fee-only financial planning firm that served clients throughout the United States. She remained the President and CEO of Parlan until its sale in 2025.

Helyn was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Michelle Christine Baker; her parents, Charles and Joan Bolanis; and her former husbands, Larry Parker and John Baker.

She leaves behind her cherished daughter Nichole; Larry's mother, Donna Parker; son Steven; brothers Peter Bolanis and Charles Bolanis; and a loving extended family of sisters- and brothers-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many close friends whose lives were touched by her kindness and grace.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 25 from 2-6 p.m., and Monday, January 26 from 2-8 p.m. in Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Avenue, Toledo, OH 43623 where a Vigil for the Deceased, including the recitation of the Holy Rosary and a sharing of memories, will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Monday.

The Holy Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Reverend Joseph J. Mominee at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church, 5411 Main St., Sylvania, OH 43560, at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Interment will take place at Mount Carmel Catholic Cemetery, 15 East Manhattan St., Toledo.

Through her faith, love, and service, Helyn leaves behind a legacy of spiritual richness and devotion that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Fraternity of Saint Dominic, St. Catherine of Siena Fraternity #603, care of Saint Patrick's Church, 260 N. Grant Ave., Columbus, OH 43215. Checks should be made out to Saint Patrick's Church with "LFSD" noted in the memo line.