Gertrude Zimlich Helmsing

Gertrude Zimlich Helmsing passed away on April 19, 2013 surrounded by family and under the loving care of the Little Sisters of the Poor. She was born in Mobile, Alabama on August 9, 1916 and lived in this city for her entire life. After graduating from the Convent of Mercy she worked for her family’s business, Zimlich the Florist. In the 1930’s, in this capacity, she earned her pilot’s license so that she could transport flowers from New Orleans to Mobile. She married Joe Helmsing in 1940 and dedicated her life to raising her five children. There was little that gave her more joy than young children. Her love for her family always came first, but she also loved all things beautiful - especially fresh cut flowers.

She is survived by two sons J. Michael Helmsing (Tallulah) and Victor C. Helmsing (Vaughan), a daughter Mary Angela (Angel) Helmsing, her daughter-in-law Susan O. Helmsing (Fred), her sister Betty Monica, six grandchildren, Tallulah H. Rosenthal (Ian), Frederick G. Helmsing, Jr. (Greer), J. Guy Helmsing (Liz), Margaret Sue Browning (John), Catherine V. Helmsing and Gertrude S. (Trudy) Helmsing, eight great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 44 years, Joseph H. Helmsing, her son Frederick G. Helmsing, Sr. and her daughter Gertrude (Trudy) Helmsing.

A private service will be held at the Little Sisters of the Poor. Interment will be at the Old Spring Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor, 1655 McGill Street, Mobile, AL 36604.