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DIANA HELLINGER Obituary
DIANA HELLINGER (Age 67)
On Wednesday, August 12, 2015, of Washington, DC. Beloved wife of Doug Hellinger; daughter of the late Richard and Rose Giragossian; sister of the late Ida Giragossian. A beloved teacher at St. Michael School, Silver Spring, she fought for social justice at the NOW Education Fund and served as Executive Director of the Vietnam Women's Memorial Project. A Memorial Service will be held at Forcey Bible Church in Silver Spring, MD on Saturday, October 3 at 2 p.m. Interment Private. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to GRREAT (www.grreat.org), which she assisted in dog rescue and adoption.www.COLLINSFUNERALHOME.com
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Memories and Condolences
for DIANA HELLINGER
Jenny wagner
August 14, 2024
I will not forget Diana. I still work as a paraeducator and her positive influence and example make me a better teacher every day.
Gay Foa Weeks
August 14, 2022
Although Diana was a year behind me at Troy High School, we became friends. I admired and respected her so much. I had invited her to one of my reunions but she so sadly died before the event. I won't ever forget her kindness and the joy she always exuded.......
September 17, 2015
The archdiocese said we couldn't. Diana said we could. I had the privilege to work as a volunteer in Diana's class as an art teacher once a week for a year. The students were great - all 38 of them! Diana and I ensured the art lessons followed her curriculum whether it was literature, history, current events or science. In fact, Diana expanded her lesson plan to include special events. One of the most remarkable was when she helped bring the musical theater production of "Black Diamond: Satchel Paige and the Negro Leagues to St. Michael School.
The archdiocese said that it could not pay for the visiting show. Diana said we could. With a grant and some donations (mostly Diana) the show brought the arts and history to St. Michael during the school day so all the students could enjoy it and learn from it. The archdiocese said we couldn't. Diana said we could.
I offered to continue as a volunteer art teacher the next year but was told by the interim school principal that the archdiocese had said I could not, even though the kids thrived and I was giving my time for free. When I told Diana that I could not volunteer anymore, she said See you next week. I reminded her that I am just a volunteer parent and the archdiocese said I can't. She said You can. I said I shouldn't. Diana said You should. With her support, I got to volunteer to teach several of the grades one more year. Diana's strength is what I admire most about her. She passed on her Don't let anyone tell you can't when you can' or you shouldn't when you should' attitude to her students. Her students are better because of her mentoring. Her lessons live on through them. She made and continues to make the world a better place. You taught me a great deal, even though I was never technically your student. I miss you.
Jenny Wagner (Ceilidh and John's mom)
Ann LoDolce
September 16, 2015
Dear Doug,
I was Ida's friend from Skidmore and we met in New York when you were taking her to Maryland. Please accept my deepest sympathy upon your loss of Diana. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. You were so supportive of both Ida and Diana.
September 10, 2015
Diana was a gift to the Vietnam Women's Memorial effort; we could not have accomplished the mission without her. We needed her integrity, honesty, and grace to achieve what many said was the impossible. Nothing was impossible for Diana, for she believed and had enduring faith. Peace to Diana and to you Doug, her soulmate and best friend. Love to you and your family, Diane Carlson Evans
Boursiquot Family (Razina)
August 24, 2015
Doug, Thank you for sharing your wife with us (St. Michael School Family). Our children loved her and will continue to be inspired by Mrs. Hellinger. She was a special gift!! Just being in her presence and seeing her teach, validate, and uplift our children demonstrated the goodness in her and she reminded them and us of the need to always do good for others.
May God comfort you during this time! Know that Mrs. Hellinger's goodness and drive will continue to live on .as she touched so many of us.
Boursiquot Family(Razina)
Louis Saint-Felix
August 24, 2015
Words cannot describe the shock and sadness of this lovely woman departure from earth. Diana was loved by all parents, students, and teachers at St. Michael's School. She impacted our lives in so many ways that we will treasure those memories forever. We are blessed to have known her and shared all the quality times in her presence. May God strengthen Doug and the rest of the family during these grieving times. We will all miss her dearly.
Mustapha Family
August 23, 2015
A great teacher and a rare gem to the students and families! Diana, we will miss you. May the good Lord's comforting warmth be with your beloved, Doug.
John and Kim Manoush
August 21, 2015
It has been said that "The pain of grief is perhaps the price we pay for love". We and all of Diana's many friends are feeling that pain now for having loved her. We will never forget her generosity, energy and humor.
Rick Gondella
August 21, 2015
Diana was a warm, energetic doer! There was no challenge too great for this wonderful woman. The world will miss her, going forward, but her presence will be with us always. Let it be said: Diana made a difference.
Holly Jimison
August 20, 2015
We will dearly miss our wonderful friend. Diana was an inspiration to us all with her strong convictions and generous spirit. Our fond memories of time together live on.
Deepest sympathies to Doug and family.
Paddy Hibbert
August 20, 2015
Diana was a great friend, teacher. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers continues for Doug. She is now in a beautiful place.
Steven Cole
August 20, 2015
There are no words to express the grief.
Her kindness, generosity, social conscience, vitality, (and that laugh!), intelligence, and great love of literature, I will never, never forget.
What a gal.
Gay Foa Weeks
August 20, 2015
I am shocked and so very sad. Diana and I had emailed a few times in the last few months. She wanted to attend my 50th reunion even though she was a year behind us. I was really looking forward to hugging her. Now I send this hugs to her husband.....
Jim 'Hutch' Hutchinson
August 20, 2015
We are all heart broken to lose her too soon. A woman of incredible integrity and love. My thoughts and prayers continue for Doug and the extended family.
Howard Mitchell
August 20, 2015
Diana's classmates at Troy High school are so saddened by her passing and send our condolences to her family
Misha Pavel
August 20, 2015
Lovely Diana has left us not only with endless memories of a wonderful, generous friend but with the fruits of her strength and passion always focused on doing the right thing
Ekemini Dan
August 20, 2015
Made an immediate positive impact when she arrived at St Michael's.
Awesome teacher and even better person!!
Nabors Family
August 20, 2015
We offer our heartfelt condolences to Doug upon the passing of Diana. We pray the love of God enfolds you during this difficult time. Diana was a strong advocate for the students at St. Michael's and we are forever grateful!
Carolyn Michel
August 20, 2015
Dianaa shining force of naturewarm..strongyou left a leagacy of love, integrity, action and joy! You will be missed but the light of your spirit will shine forever!
Julie Garbini
August 20, 2015
Our beautiful cousin will be missed greatly. She had an incredible light in her, which we were all so fortunate to experience, albeit for too short a time. We love you Diana.
Holly Jimison
August 20, 2015
What a wonderful friend. Diana will be sorely missed but will live on in our fond memories. Deepest sympathies to Doug and family. Love, Holly and Misha
Wendy Blum
August 20, 2015
I will always remember your strength, grace and love.
Robin Hayes
August 20, 2015
Such a wonderful person who impacted so many lives. We will cherrish the memories always. ~The Hayes' Family
Mieva/William/Taria Herbert
August 20, 2015
You will be missed and remembered. You were an inspiration to many a student who attended St. Michael's.
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