Helene Mayleben

Helene Ruth Mayleben, 82, of Ypsilanti, Michigan, passed away on March 8, 2025, surrounded by her family. Born on December 3, 1942, in Valparaiso, Indiana, to Blanche Ann Hewitt and Walter Charles Hewitt, Helene spent most of her childhood in Jackson, Mississippi.

A lifelong advocate for children and education, Helene earned a Bachelor's degree in Education from Millsaps College and later a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Michigan. She began her career as a teacher and later operated a successful home daycare business. At age 50, she pursued a second calling in nursing and worked as a pediatric nurse at Mott Children's Hospital alongside her daughter for 13 years. Her true passion emerged when she became a school nurse for Ypsilanti Community Schools-a role she held until the age of 81. Most of her time was spent at Perry Early Learning Center, where she lovingly cared for preschool through first-grade students. Her devotion touched thousands of young lives.

Beyond her professional life, Helene found joy in cheering on her children and grandchildren at countless events and took great pride in their achievements. She loved traveling to visit them across the country and was always ready with encouragement-and a frozen Coke-during weekly chats.

Helene is survived by her husband Jack Mayleben; sisters Cynthia Annchild (Bruce Worman) and Susie McGee; children John Mayleben (Jade), Jim Mayleben (Terry), Mary Ann Choszczyk (Ed), and Kate Gregory (Steve); six grandchildren; and many beloved relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter-in-law Linda Sue Mayleben, and grandson Jason Carl William Mayleben.

A celebration of Helene's life will be held on May 31, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Perry Early Learning Center, 550 Perry Ave, Ypsilanti, MI 48197. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ypsilanti Community Schools Foundation, PO Box 980453, Ypsilanti MI 48198.