Helen Balmer

Helen Howick Balmer

Okemos

Formerly of Birmingham, and Bloomfield Hills, MI.

Died peacefully August 1, 2014 with family at her side. Born Helen Harris Howick on June 19, 1926 in Louisville, Kentucky, she moved to Detroit with her family during the Great Depression. Helen graduated from Highland Park High School at the age of 16, studied at Highland Park Community College and worked in Detroit as a young professional. It was there, under the Kern clock, that she met her beloved husband James G. Balmer, Jr. On August 12, 1950 they married and had 62 years together before Jim's passing in December 2012.

Helen was an accomplished public relations professional and event planner, as well as an organizer of writer's conferences and other professional activities. She worked for many years at the Birmingham Community House, creating programs that are still in place today. In the 1970s, she established Helen Balmer and Associates and served the promotion and marketing needs of countless clients, especially in the restaurant and catering industry. She was a member of The Public Relations Society of America and Adcraft.

She was an active member of The Village Club, and a long-time member of both The Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center and the Village Players of Birmingham, where she was a past president and a frequent social chair and party planner.

Helen was an extraordinary hostess and cook who entertained with unmatched poise and style. She was known for both intimate dinner parties as well as large events. No one liked a party more.

She was a gracious and kindhearted friend and matriarch of her family. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in the mid-1970s, Helen refused to submit to a disease that could easily have broken her spirit. Helen is survived by her children; Janet Quiring (John), Jim Balmer (Martha) and Lindsay Hinz (Randy); beloved grandchildren Carrie, Alison, Adam, Nick, Gretchen, Grace, Benjamin, Clara, Mallory and Jamie; eleven great-grandchildren and her best friend Joyce Contrucci.

A family burial will be held, and at her request a small party will be hosted later in the Fall to celebrate her life and spirit. Memorial contributions can be made to the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center or the Village Players of Birmingham.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing.   On line condolences may be shared with the family at www.greastlansing.com.