Helen Mary Gersi

Helen (Walla) Gersi, beloved wife, mother and grandmother died peacefully at home Nov. 26 in Lewis Center, Ohio. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Julius Gersi; her daughter Felicia Gersi Busick, son-in-law Lou Busick and granddaughter Grace Busick; and her daughter Juliann Gersi Balis, son-in-law Arthur Balis, and grandsons David and Paul Balis. She was preceded in death by parents Frances (Richter) Walla Malina and Charles Walla, Czech immigrants from Yugoslavia.

Helen got her picture in the paper as the first baby born in Chicago in 1938 and grew up in the Chicago suburb of Berwyn. She graduated from St. Mary High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from DePaul University, Chicago. Helen was a science and math teacher at Drexel School in Cicero, Illinois. She later earned a master’s degree in education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Two years after meeting at a wedding, Helen married Julius in Berwyn on Aug. 18, 1962. They welcomed daughters Felicia in 1964 and Juliann in 1966. Helen stayed home with the girls during their early childhood in Milwaukee, Chicago, Pittsburgh and Worthington. During this time she was a tireless manager and volunteer at the Worthington Thrift Shop, the regional Girl Scout Council and St. Michael Church - in addition to being a mom! Helen returned to the paid workforce as a quality control inspector for textiles for the US defense department at DCSC in Columbus. During her 15 years there, she was selected to be part of Leadership Columbus.

Helen was an avid collector and loved music. She was an accomplished pianist who could play by ear, and played the violin and autoharp. She was a leader and joyful participant for 20+ years in the community show choir Worthington Chorus.

The family will hold a memorial service and celebration of life after the holidays.