Helen Ohanian Overfield

Helen was born in Fort Worth, Texas, and grew up in Columbus, Ohio, which led her to The Ohio State University. At Ohio State, she completed her Master’s in Education, was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority, and attended a host of football games. It was her love of the Buckeyes which led her to the 1976 Rose Bowl, where she met her devoted husband of 50 years, John.

Helen and John shared countless adventures as life partners, traveling the world and creating lifelong friendships and memories. None compared to their greatest adventure of all, though — becoming parents and, eventually, grandparents.

For decades, Helen held important roles in the nonprofit space and the Junior League of Louisville, but “Mom” and “Honey” were the roles she was born to play, the responsibilities she cared about most deeply. Her three daughters and three grandchildren were her greatest sources of pride and joy.

From their earliest years, Helen never wasted a chance to make an everyday moment magical or a milestone memorable for her children and their children. She was a constant teacher, protector, and advocate, and imbued her daughters with her greatest traits and values, which they’ve carried into adulthood: compassion, tenacity, faith, and a love of life.

Helen was an active parishioner at Holy Trinity for 30 years and a volunteer extraordinaire at Holy Trinity School and Sacred Heart Academy, serving regularly as a team mom, room mom, and member of the PTA. “Helen Possible” to those who knew her best, she hosted and organized a record-breaking number of dinners and celebrations. Her vibrant personality and creativity gave way to a successful hat-making business, Hats Off By Helen — a go-to for locals and out-of-towners alike when the Kentucky Derby came around every May.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Norik and Carol Ohanian; brother, Rick Ohanian; and sister-in-law, Georgia Ohanian. She is survived by her husband, John Overfield; brothers, Ed (Cheri) Ohanian and Robert Ohanian; sister, Cindy (Toros) Ohanian-Aledjian; daughters, Shelly (Bradley) Bringardner, Jenny (Collin) Hockenbury, and Alli Overfield; grandchildren, Henry, Beau, Kate, and another beloved grandchild on the way, Molly; as well as numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

After Helen’s long and courageous battle with cancer, a testament to her steadfast determination and that of her family, friends, and caregivers, Helen is now at peace. She will be missed dearly but her love and lessons will be felt for generations to come.

Visitation will be held from 4 – 8 p.m. on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at Arch L. Heady and Son Funeral Home, 7410 Westport Rd., Louisville.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 501 Cherrywood Rd., with interment to follow at Cave Hill Cemetery.