Helen Joyce Flory

Helen Joyce (May) Flory passed away peacefully in Columbus, Ohio on January 11, 2025, at the age of 101. She was born in Toledo, Ohio on December 2, 1923, the daughter of Miriam Ellen (Chute) May and Howard Elisha May, Sr. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Dr. Frederick Arthur Flory, her brother, Howard Elisha May, Jr, and her sister, Martha Grace (May) MacLean. She was a graduate of DeVilbiss High School in Toledo and attended The Ohio State University where she earned a BS in Education and met her husband -to-be. She was married on July 15, 1948 in Toledo, Ohio. After teaching Physical Education for several years, she began raising a family of five children and was a devoted wife and mother.

Helen and Fred lived in the Columbus area nearly 50 years before making permanent residence on Ft Myers Beach, Florida. They continued to spend summers in Ohio to be close to family and friends. Helen was an avid gardener well into her 80’s. She was the “Queen of Cards” sending thoughtful greetings to all and rarely forgot to send a birthday, anniversary, get well or thinking of you card. At 101, she still loved to play gin rummy and could beat any member of the family. In her younger years, she played tennis and sponsored young, upcoming tennis players, and was an active member of the Columbus chapter CG of PEO.

Helen is survived by her son, Dr John Frederick (Sharyl) Flory and daughters, Nancy Ann Flory, Susan Elizabeth Flory, Judy Lynn (Scott) Pelletier, and Annette Janine Saylor, as well as eight grandchildren Kelly (Alier) Franco, Dan (Lisa) Flory, Jenny (Russ Bitner) Flory, Becky (Gary) Weber, Megan Saylor, Ben (Tyler) Saylor, Nick (Erin Mahoney) Pelletier, Brandon Pelletier, and ten great grandchildren (Diego, Helena, Mila, Jaxson, Liam, Lukas, Annabelle, Mariah, Sam, Josephine). A Celebration of Life will take place at the SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST, 1740 Zollinger Rd in Upper Arlington, Ohio on Saturday, May 17th from 1-3 pm. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Macular Degeneration Research, Tranquility Hospice, or a charity of your choice. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share memories and condolences.