Helene D. Bleecker passed into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at the age of 96. She was a resident of Adrian, Michigan.
Helene was born on January 15, 1929, to Pierre and Elise (Gallice) Palpant of Clayton, Michigan. At an early age she started a lifelong commitment to Jesus as her Lord and Savior. She began her study of violin and piano as an elementary student, abilities she enjoyed and used throughout her life. She graduated from Adrian High School and studied at Wheaton College, the University of Michigan, and Eastern Michigan University.
On June 25, 1948, Helene married Ronald L. Bleecker in Clayton, Michigan. Together they raised their family which consisted of Deborah (Frank) Kaylor now residing in Colorado, Annette (Glenn) Pearson now residing in California, and James (JoLynne) Bleecker of Adrian. She enjoyed watching the growth of her 9 grandchildren: Britt (Will) Kaylor, Kristin (Steve) Potter, Casey (John) Frey, Andy (Liza) Pearson, Stephanie (Rosty) Gore, Jason (Kara) Bleecker, Justin (Shemeko) Bleecker, Jonathan (Hannah) Bleecker, and Jennifer (Tyler) Kaufman; and 15 great grandchildren.
Helene was employed as Dean of Women and Music instructor at Northeastern Bible Institute in New Jersey and later as the director of Orchestras for the Adrian Public Schools, a position she held for 28 years. She was recognized in 1986 as Teacher of the Year by the Michigan unit of the American String Teachers Association and in 1988 as the Outstanding Orchestra Teacher by the Michigan Band and Orchestra Association. Additionally, in 2015 she received an Outstanding Alumni Award by the Adrian Public Schools Alumni Association. She also served for a number of years as the president of the Tecumseh Pops Orchestra. Helene used her talents as accompanist, violinist, and choir director in various churches over the years, most recently in Adrian at Grace Point Evangelical Free Church and at the Brookdale Senior Living Community.
Helene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 63 years, and her three brothers, Edgar Palpant, Jean Palpant, and Pierre Palpant, Jr.
The family will receive friends for visitation at the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian, on Thursday, July 17, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm and 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Funeral services for Helene will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025, beginning at 11:00 am with Pastor Greg Burdine officiating. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the funeral service. Burial will follow at North Dover Cemetery, Clayton.
Friends can express sympathies to the family online by visiting the tribute wall at www.marryfh.com. Memorial contributions in honor of Helene may be made to Faith Baptist Church, the Hampton Manor Activities Fund, or Wounded Warrior Project. Arrangements have been made with the guidance of the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian.