Helen N. Balchan

Helen N. Balchan, age 89, of Greenville, Delaware, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 31, 2023.

Born in Marquette, MI in 1934, she was the youngest of 6 children to William and Eugenia Lempesis, immigrants from Greece. She graduated from North Central College, Naperville, IL with a Bachelor of Arts.

A fearless woman, she would end up moving to Milwaukee, WI and New York, NY before ending up in Chicago, IL. It was in Chicago that she would begin her long and successful career with DuPont. In the mid-1970s, she was among the handful of women who were promoted to managerial positions which would lead to her relocating to Wilmington, DE. With strong leadership skills, she was chosen to teach self-defense and sexual harassment classes. Helen was a true inspiration to many women in the workplace, as well as family and friends, offering guidance or an ear to whoever needed it.

Helen was a devout Christian, and would become a lay reader for the St. James congregation. She loved spending time with her family and close friends, traveling, exploring local museums, the botanical gardens and the theater. Helen was also an advocate for both adult and children’s literacy, and would often volunteer as a children’s story time reader at the local library.  Helen was the family historian and will be remembered for her amazing storytelling and her eloquent speaking voice.

Helen was preceded in death by her loving husband, Anthony Balchan. She is survived by her stepchildren, grandchildren Tim (Jessica) and Anna, sister Sofia Aulik, cousin Georgia Bonney (Jim), Godchildren, nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces & nephews, loving extended family and friends.  A special thank you to Elaine.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on February 9, 2024, 11:00am at St. James Mill Creek Episcopal Church, 2106 St. James Church Road, Wilmington, DE 19808.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributing to Ministry of Caring or St. James Mill Creek Episcopal Church; Ministry of Caring, 115 E. 14th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801, St. James Mill Creek Episcopal Church, 2106 St. James Church Road, Wilmington, DE 19808.